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in england,some hospitals use it some don`t.If you have the older type it takes ages to calibrate(and you need to do it each time you change the position-2 sites is preferred,changin can be every 3hours),the temp on the probe can reach up to 42degree centigrade so it really can burn especially a very prem skin.with pulse oximetry the light source can heat up as well for longer use,it is recommended to change the site every diaper change to prevent burning and to promote circulation.
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corks
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Some units use it and some don't. I have'nt used it for a few years now. But basically transcutaneous oxygen monitoring measures oxygen tension across the skin by use of a heated electrode. You get a tcpO2 and a tcpCO2 reading. A rising CO2 sometimes indicated that you needed to give your ETT tube a suck out. Unfortunately I saw a number of skin burns from these monitors despite their positions being change frequently and if you have an odematous baby, you could get a false reading. Pulse oximetry calculates oxygen saturation by use of a light sensor, you are not suppose to get burns with these but I have seen them. Pulse oximetry can be a pain as it is susceptible to the movement of the baby and you can spend most of your shift getting repeative strain injury from hitting the alarm mute button. if using a sats machine you should always correlate your sao2 to your blood gas results that way you will know what sats are good for your baby.Hope thats as clear as mud:) Good Luck. Corks