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Monitors designed for continuous measurement and display of the percent saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood (SpO2) that are hard-wired to the patient at the bedside. The monitors usually determine the relative amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin (O2Hb and HHb, respectively) by measuring light absorbance changes resulting from arterial blood flow pulsations. These monitors consist of an electronic unit that includes electronic circuits, an LCD (liquid crystal display), red and infrared light sources (usually light emitting diodes [LEDs]), photodetectors, and probes typically attached to a finger, earlobe, or other appropriate anatomic area. Bedside pulse oximetry monitors usually include software to show data trends and audible and/or visual alarms that are triggered when the patient\'s SpO2 drops below preset limits. Most devices can also measure and monitor pulse rate. Pulse oximetry monitors are used mainly for noninvasive identification and tracking of the hemodynamic conditions in critically ill patients.
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