What does "pulse oximetry" measure in a clinical setting?

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive medical tool used to measure the level of oxygen saturation in a person's blood. This technique involves a device called a pulse oximeter, which typically attaches to a fingertip or earlobe and uses light absorption properties of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin to determine how much oxygen is being carried in the bloodstream.

The measurement of blood oxygen saturation is crucial in various clinical settings because it helps healthcare providers assess respiratory function, determine the effectiveness of oxygen therapy, and identify potential respiratory distress. A normal reading generally indicates that the body's tissues are receiving sufficient oxygen, while low saturation levels could signal a need for intervention.

In this context, while heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature are important vital signs, they are not directly measured by pulse oximetry. Instead, pulse oximetry specifically targets oxygen saturation levels, making it a vital component in monitoring a patient's oxygen delivery system, especially in critical care and during anesthesia.