Non-invasive measurement of blood oxygen levels.

Comparison of transcutaneous (TC) monitoring of blood oxygen levels to arterial blood gas analyses was made on patients at rest with room air, during exercise, and at rest with oxygen. Three different transcutaneous monitors were evaluated: Novametrix TC O2 Mette, Biochem Sensomat, and Radiometer TC M1. The Hewlett-Packard ear oximeter for measuring oxygen saturation was also compared to oxygen saturation values calculated on the Severinghaus slide rule. Using at least one measured PO2 as a baseline, either TC monitoring or ear oximetry were valuable tools in monitoring pulmonary function.