Overnight oximetry

What is overnight oximetry?

Overnight oximetry is a recording of the oxygen saturation and heart rate that is non-invasive.

What do we record?

We record the oxygen levels and heart rate with a soft probe that is either taped on the finger or the toe.

What are we looking for?

We are looking to see if there are any changes in the oxygen levels during sleep. A diary card will be completed during the study so if your child snores or holds their breath, these can be noted and are useful when looking at the results.

How long does it take?

It only lasts 1 night, and your child can go home first thing the next day.

What else is involved?

You will be welcomed to the Sleep House and shown to your bedroom. After settling in, a member of staff will go through some paperwork with you.

Once your child is ready for bed, staff will tape the oximetry sensor to your child’s finger or toe.

After this has been attached, you will both be left to settle and go to sleep.

Overnight, staff will monitor the signals via a video camera with your written consent. Staff may come in overnight to reattach the sensor if signals are lost.

Are there any risks?

The sensor is not painful, however some children and young people may find it upsetting to have the sensor attached. We will work closely with you and your child to successfully apply the sensor.

What happens afterwards?

When your child wakes up and the study has finished, the sleep staff will remove your child’s sensor. We will then discharge you home promptly. The latest you can leave the sleep house is 7.30am. Your child can then go about their day as normal.

When will I get the results?

The sleep physiology staff will pass the data onto the sleep and respiratory team. The sleep and respiratory consultant will then look at the results and they will be discussed either at your next clinic appointment or the results will be sent to the referring doctor.