Overnight Oximetry

Who is the leaflet for? What is its aim?

An overnight oximetry is requested to determine what is happening to the oxygen levels in your blood while you are asleep.

To perform this test we will either arrange for a small wrist watch-type device to be delivered or ask you to take home the device which you will wear overnight. This has a light-emitting probe to be placed on your finger.

On return of the oximeter we will download the results from the machine and print a report for your doctor.

How to set-up the overnight oximeter

Before you start the set-up process, please make sure you have removed any nail varnish as this will stop the device from functioning properly.

The overnight oximetry system will be given to you as shown here:

Attach the main body of the device to one of your wrists using the Velcro strap and plastic loop.

Attach the probe onto one of your non-ring fingers, it does not matter which one.

The system is now ready to record your oxygen levels.

The machine has been programmed to start recording once you place your finger into the finger clip. If during the night the probe falls off your finger, please replace the probe and note the time on the sheet of paper provided. If you wake in the night and the probe feels uncomfortable then it is not a problem if you wish to change the probe to another finger.

The morning after the overnight oximetry

Please complete the enclosed questionnaires which will tell the doctor how well you slept on the night of the study, whether this was different form your normal night’s sleep and also during what everyday situations you would normally find yourself falling asleep. If possible, we would also like you to note down any times that you woke during the night.

Results

The physiologist will prepare a report and send this to you referring consultant or GP. It is better to discuss these results with the consultant or GP that referred you as they will need to be explained alongside any other test that have been performed.

Contacts / further Information

If you are unsure about any of the information provided in this leaflet or have any other questions then please do not hesitate to contact the lung function department at Addenbrooke’s hospital on 01223 217065 or alternatively by contacting Clinic 2A on 01223 216645.

Our opening hours are Monday-Friday from 08:30 to 16:30.