Overnight Oximetry

Oximeter on persons finger in bed

Experience the convenience of at-home testing

Safe and Painless Oxygen Monitoring

Overnight oximetry is a safe, convenient test used to evaluate the amount of oxygen in a patient’s blood during a night of rest and identify the need for a formal sleep study. During an overnight oximetry test, an oxygen sensor is placed on the patient’s finger or wrist and a special device called an oximeter records oxygen levels in the blood. Essential data is then measured and recorded, including the patient’s heart rate and oxygen levels during rest.

Overnight oximetry helps providers determine the need to start, continue, or increase home oxygen therapy for a variety of respiratory conditions.

What to Expect

Overnight oximetry is a commonly used screening test to evaluate blood oxygen levels and qualify for home oxygen use. It’s completely painless and safe for all ages.

Overnight oximetry measures your arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2). Among the many data points providers look at when evaluating the results of overnight oximetry are the patient’s mean SaO2 and lowest Sao2. In healthy persons, the normal overnight mean Sao2 is 96%. Any decreased value may point to an underlying cardiorespiratory problem. The results of overnight oximetry testing can be used to help diagnose and monitor conditions such as sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

An overnight oximetry test is typically performed while you sleep. It is non-invasive and painless. In most cases, overnight oximetry can be performed at home. You’ll be asked to wear a small clip or band that attaches to your finger or wrist, called an oximeter. 

The oximeter device measures the oxygen saturation level in your blood, which is an indication of how well your lungs are functioning. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary or answer some basic questions about your symptoms. It is important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional to get the most accurate results.

Patient sleeping with oximeter on finger

Your provider will review your test results and discuss any concerns with you at your next appointment.

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