Patient safety alert – pulse oximeter probes

February 8, 2021

If an oximeter probe intended for the finger is attached to the ear (or vice versa), it can produce a reading up to 50 per cent lower or 30 per cent higher than the real value. The clinical implication of an inaccurately high reading, is that colleagues may:

• Be falsely reassured about a patient’s condition, when in reality the patient is deteriorating, or
• Make an inappropriate intervention when in fact a patient is stable or improving.

Note: If unsure please follow the manufacturer’s advice when using pulse oximeters.

For more information please see Pulse oximetry information sheet or email swb-tr.SWBH-GM-Resuscitation-Team@nhs.net.