Electronic computation in ear oximetry.

Ear oximetry is a technique used to determine the oxygen saturation of arterial blood in the intact man bya measurement of the absorption of red and infrared light passing through the ear. The withdrawal of an arterial sample of blood is not required. A theoretical investigation has revealed some of the sources of error inherent in present earpiece optical arrangements which have limited the overall accuracy of the technique. These errors cannot be corrected for in practice but may be eliminated or minimized by improved earpiece construction. Several methods of evaluating the accuracy and reliability of both instantaneous and continuous absolute oxygen saturation measurements are suggested. An analog computer for use with an existing ear oximeter to permit the continuous recording of oxygen saturation is also described