The clip on oxygen meters (aka: pulse oximetry) is not a practical way to watch for carbon monoxide (CO...not CO2) exposure. Here is a cut and paste from a study done: Clinical bottom line (level 4)
Among patients with suspected smoke inhalation or carbon monoxide poisoning, pulse oximetry was inaccurate. The higher the carboxyhaemoglobin level, the greater the inaccuracy. Consequently, a direct blood gas measurement of the HbCO level will be necessary in all cases. Dan C On Mar 10, 2010, at 10:45 AM, James B. Brennan wrote: > There's a "backdoor" CO2 tester for $40-$50, that being a clip on > your finger blood oxygen meter... the only drawback is that to check > your situation, you have to fish it out of your flight bag, clip it > on a finger and see how your blood oxygen is doing (as CO2 would > diminish it). I have one for other reasons, but it will be in my > flight bag next time out. I got mine from http:// > www.semedicalsupply.com/pulse_oximeters.htm > > whatever... > > Beach Brennan > WST >
