Recommendations for stable SpO2 measurement with Nihon Kohden sensors

It is essential to follow the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturer. Please refer to the Nihon Kohden operator's manual for the respective sensor, as well as the instructions for using SpO2 measurement with your Hamilton Medical ventilator.

Hamilton Medical offers two types of Nihon Kohden SpO2 sensors:

• Reusable finger and ear probes: PNs 281947-50, 281955, 281958
• Adhesive finger probes: PNs 281951-4

With INTELLiVENT-ASV (Not available in the US and some other marketsA​), the finger probe PN 281947 is frequently used. For this sensor, the manufacturer recommends a maximum attachment time of 4 hours at one measurement site. A change in body position may cause the probe to move or become detached, even if the probe is attached properly. For long-term measurement, it is therefore best to use an adhesive SpO2 probe such as PN 281951-4, or a reusable finger probe such as PN 281949-50.

Caution:

• Attach the probe to the finger where there is no change in peripheral blood circulation. If the probe is attached to a finger where there is an NIBP cuff or an IBP catheter on the arm, the blood circulation at the probe attachment site is affected and measurement may be inaccurate.
• Do not use the probe on a patient with significant body movement. Measurement may be inaccurate or impossible to perform.
• When you are using two sensors on one patient, we recommend leaving at least one finger between the two sensors to ensure there is no disturbance/interference from one to the other.

Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize the effect of the patient’s body movement.

1. Clean the attachment site with alcohol.  
2. Press the button to open the probe (see Figure 1 below).

Note:

• Do not expand the opening of the probe because it may damage the probe.

3. Insert the finger into the probe. The side of the sensor marked with the image of a fingernail and attached to the cable must be on the nail side of the finger. There should be slight contact between the tip of the finger and the probe. 

Note: 

• If the cable is not on the nail side, measured data will be incorrect. 
• If the patient’s nail is too long to attach the finger probe in the ideal position, cut the nail. 

4. For stable SpO2 measurement, secure the cable to the back of the hand with surgical tape to minimize the effect of body movement and prevent excess force on the probe (see Figure 2 below). 

Note:

• In order to maintain sufficient blood circulation, keep the attachment site warm by covering it with a blanket or something similar. Warming the site is particularly effective for patients with a small pulse amplitude.

For more information about the sensor’s accuracy and correct cleaning procedure, please refer to the operator's manuals available for download below.

For accurate long-term measurement, the manufacturer recommends one of the following probe types.

1. Adhesive probes PNs 281951, 281952, 281953, 281954

These probes are disposable probes for single patient use, consisting of one piece with adhesive tape that is easy to attach to the patient’s skin. They are suitable for accurate, long-term measurement with a recommended maximum attachment time at one measurement site of 8 hours. 

Caution:

• To avoid poor circulation, do not wrap the tape too tight. Check the blood circulation by observing the skin color and congestion at the skin peripheral to the probe attachment site. Accurate measurement cannot be performed on a site with poor peripheral circulation.

2. Reusable fingertip probes PN 281949 or PN 281950, depending on the patient’s weight.

Advantage: 

• These probes are supplied with attachment tape to fasten the probe sensor.

They are suitable for accurate, long-term measurement with a recommended maximum attachment time at one measurement site of 8 hours.

For more information about the accuracy and attachment of the sensor, as well as the correct cleaning procedure, please refer to the sensor's respective operator's manual available for download below.