The use of a personal computer for trend data analysis with the Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter.

The Ohmeda 3700 pulse oximeter provides trend data storage of arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and pulse rate measurements for a maximum of 8 hours. This feature allows the oximeter to be used as a stand-alone unit for overnight studies of saturation during sleep. Subsequent transfer and processing of the stored SaO2 data requires additional software. We present a program for data processing that uses the Lotus 1-2-3 program on IBM and compatible microcomputers and that performs a data distribution and statistical analysis on these trend data and presents them in graphic form. Processing SaO2 trend data within the Lotus 1-2-3 worksheet format allows the user to easily add to or modify the program presented here, depending on individual needs.