Use of an ear oximeter to assess lung function

Abstract

Values of arterial oxygen saturation were estimated using an ear oximeter while subjects breathed a mixture of 15% oxygen in nitrogen. Results obtained from patients with lung disease were clearly separated from results obtained from normal subjects, and the lowering of saturation was related to the clinical severity of the disease. Patients with low oximeter readings with 15% oxygen also had low levels of arterial oxygen tension during exercise.