Comparison of heart rate and oxygen saturation measurements from Masimo and Nellcor pulse oximeters in newly born term infants.

Aim To compare heart rate ( HR) measurements from Masimo and Nellcor pulse oximeters ( POs) against HR measured via a three lead electrocardiograph ( ECG) ( HR_ECG). We also compared peripheral oxygen saturation ( Sp O₂) measurements between Nellcor and Masimo oximeters. Method Term infants born via elective caesarean section were studied. ECG leads were placed on the infant's chest and abdomen. Masimo and Nellcor PO sensors were randomly allocated to either foot. The monitors were placed on a trolley, and data from each monitor screen captured by a video camera. HR, Sp O₂ measurements and signal quality were extracted. Bland- Altman analysis was used to determine agreement between HR from the ECG and each oximeter, and between Sp O₂ from the oximeters. Results We studied 44 infants of whom 4 were resuscitated. More than 8000 pairs of observations were used for each comparison of HR and Sp O_2. The mean difference (±2 SD) between HR_ECG and HR_Nellcor was −0.8 (±11) beats per minute (bpm); between HR_ECG and HR_Masimo was 0.2 (±9) bpm. The mean (±2 SD) difference between Sp O_2Masimo and Sp O_2Nellcor was −3 (±15)%. The Nellcor PO measured 20% higher than the Masimo PO at Sp O₂ <70%. Conclusion Both oximeters accurately measure HR. There was good agreement between SpO₂ measurements when Sp O₂ ≥70%. At lower Sp O₂, agreement was poorer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]