Averaging Times for Pulse Oximeter Measurements – A Review of Manuscripts Published in the Top Five Sleep Medicine Journals

Abstract

Purpose Clinical management decisions often rely on a patient’s SpO 2 level and desaturation rate. Limitations include that measurements depend on the averaging time (AVT) used, which is particularly relevant to sleep medicine, but has yet received little attention. Methods Cross-sectional review of studies reporting pulse oximeter saturation (SpO 2 ) measurements published in 5 leading sleep medicine journals. All papers published between 2017 and 2023 reporting SpO 2 measurements were screened regarding the AVT used. Results Of 193 papers identified, 151 were included; of these, only 9 studies mentioned the AVT, 4 of these were published in one journal. The AVT ranged from zero (beat-to-beat-mode) to 10s, with 3s being used most often (33.3%), followed by 2s (22.2%). Conclusion The AVT is only rarely mentioned in sleep medicine papers, despite its influence on sleep study results. Reported AVTs were heterogenous. Further research is warranted to set up guidelines for using or reporting the AVT.