Transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide monitor


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Transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide monitor


A transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide monitor is a device that measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a baby's blood. This test does not require a doctor or a nurse to take a blood sample from the baby.

The monitor is connected to the baby by a lead (wire), the end of which has a small circle that is held in place with a small round adhesive patch. The circle heats the skin, which allows it to measure blood oxygen and carbon dioxide content. The machine translates this information into a constant readout and has an alarm for readings that are above or below safe levels.

Credits


Author Jeannette Curtis
Author Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Tracy Landauer
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Last Updated May 25, 2007

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Last updated: May 25, 2007
Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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