Transcutaneous oxygen monitoring from the fetus during labor: a study of the TcPO2 levels and comparison of two electrode application techniques.

The technique for transcutaneous oxygen (TcPO2) monitoring is now routine in neonatal intensive care. The method was presented earlier as a potential tool for fetal surveillance during labor. The current study reports on two techniques generally used for the application of the electrode to the fetus. The application of the electrode by a suction instrument does not influence the TcPO2 level recorded and the use of this technique is very simple. However, the main disadvantage of the suction instrument is that the electrode is easily detached. Application of the electrode by glue is technically a little more difficult but has the advantage of being much more efficient. If the criteria for a reliable recording presented in the study are fulfilled, the technique may be used as an additional parameter to diagnose true fetal hypoxemia.