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Oximetry

Oximetry is a medical test that uses a device called an oximeter to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood (oxygen saturation). A special sensor in a cuff or clip is placed on the end of a person's finger or toe or on the person's earlobe, and it measures the amount of oxygen in the blood flowing in the tiny blood vessels.

Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer R. Steven Tharratt, MD, MPVM, FACP, FCCP - Pulmonology, Critical Care, Medical Toxicology
Last Updated March 18, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: March 18, 2009
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