Newborn Oximetry

KelRN215, BSN, RN · May 17, 2013

When I worked in the hospital (large pediatric hospital, nationally known), we had one size oximeter probe. With a newborn, we just wrapped it around the entire foot instead of the toe.

west37 · May 17, 2013

yea, I know right? It baffles me how infant's weight has anything to do with the selection of the probe. I mean as long as u align the sensor and with detector, and the size of the probe goes with the patient, then it works out perfect.

vanilla bean · May 18, 2013

I don't know about other manufacterers, but Masimo makes different sizes of probes to choose from, even for Neonates and infants. Check out this link to Masimo if you'd like. Hopefully I did that link correctly, if not just google them. As the previous poster mentioned, if there is only one size probe to choose from then the site of application is important - for example around whole food in a premie vs around a toe in a larger infant.

ksrn20 · May 18, 2013

In the pediatric ER I work at we do have many different types of O2 probes based on weight much like the previous posters' link. However, we never really use them by weight. I usually use the neonatal or infant probe on everyone, newborn to teenager, and just place it differently. Finger for older children/teenagers and around the toe or foot for small babies.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 18, 2013

Some "adult" sensors have been know in the past to cause burns on infants if not place properly....ie: not placed around the entire foot but cut/adjusted to the finger/toe.

As well as a strangulation hazard with the longer cords of the adult probes.

Meeh619 · May 22, 2013

Actually there are different size sensors. Everywhere I've worked they've had them. I have 10yrs peds experience & have seen many false reading because people don't use them right. You have infant, child, teen/adult. Depends on the machine you use and the probe. Some child ones can have the rubber clip child taken off where you can attach the stick band for infants. Some machines you have to buy the disposable adhesive band with sensor. If you use a teen/adult sensor on a child & think because your holding it its working wrong. I see people press on the clips on kids because they are moving or taking it off well you pushing on it it's giving a false reading. I have seen lazy people use the same adhesive on different kids & come up with low readings because its dirty. So yes it critical to use the right age appropriate sensor not just sensor anything. Look up sensoronics they have pics so you can get an idea.