Oxygen Saturation Test

The oxygen saturation test, or pulse oximetry, measures the amount of oxygen in a child's blood, without the use of a needle. To do the test, a small sensor is placed on the child's finger, toe or ear lobe. The sensor is connected to a machine which displays the oxygen saturation and the pulse rate. The test takes only minutes to complete, if the child is able to lie still. Sometimes it takes a little longer in infants and young children to get an accurate reading. The test is entirely painless. Oxygen saturation tests are performed when there is a concern that a child may be blue or might have less than the normal amount of oxygen in the blood. Your cardiologist will discuss the results of the test with you during the clinic visit.