The Internet Book of Critical Care Podcast IBCC Episode 128 - ABG, VBG and Pulse Oximetry
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May 13, 2023 AI Snips
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Pulse Oximetry vs. ABG
- Pulse oximetry is generally preferred for monitoring oxygenation due to its non-invasive nature and cost-effectiveness.
- ABGs can be painful, invasive, and may sometimes yield venous samples, making pulse oximetry a more practical choice.
ABG's poor trending
- Continuous monitoring with pulse oximetry allows for better trending and identification of real changes in oxygen levels.
- Infrequent ABG checks make it difficult to distinguish true trends from outliers, potentially causing unnecessary panic due to isolated low values.
Pulse Oximetry Limitations
- Pulse oximetry can be unreliable in cases of poor perfusion, leading to inaccurate or absent readings.
- A poor waveform may indicate underlying hypoperfusion, which requires attention beyond just oxygenation.