[Testing and comparison of the accuracy and precision of 5 pulse oximeters].

Determination of the oxygen saturation (SaO2) was carried out on 47 patients employing five pulse oxymeters. Measurements with Criticare CSI 501 (Simonsen & Weel), Criticare CSI 502 (Simonsen & Weel), Nellcor N 100 (Dräeger), Satlite (Datex) and Novametrix 500 (Vickers) were compared with arterial blood gas analyses with Radiometer ABL 3 (Radiometer, Copenhagen). Statistical calculation of the agreement with the pulse oxymetric and the invasive measurements were performed by the method recommended by Bland & Altman. The precision profiles for the pulse oxymeters varied from 1.84 to 2.25 (CV%) and the accuracy profiles from -0.90 to 1.44%. All of the apparatuses fulfilled the specifications made by the manufacturs. All were considered to be suitable and reliable for monitoring of decreases in oxygen saturation during and after operation.