04-08-2018, 04:26 PM
Overnight Oximetry Test: Please Advise
My pulmonologist is ordering an overnight home oximetry test.
He said that I was to use the xPAP on the night of the test, but not any supplemental oxygen.
My question:
For the most accurate results, shouldn't I be without supplemental oxygen for several nights preceding the test? It seems like I remember something mentioned about this recently.
I'd ask the doctor, but he's out of the office for 2 weeks. I didn't think of it while on the phone with him.
Thanks in advance.
RE: Overnight Oximetry Test: Please Advise
Supplemental oxygen does not have a residual effect. Once the flow is not present, your oxygen saturation will return to pre-supplement levels immediately. You may be thinking about sleep apnea tests for individuals already treated with CPAP. There is some thought that an accurate AHI may not be possible unless the CPAP is discontinued several days before the test. I suppose that depends on apnea severity. Just follow the instruction and it should produce an accurate result.
RE: Overnight Oximetry Test: Please Advise
Thank you Sleeprider! Yes, that must be what I was thinking of. Glad to hear that I needn't be without the supplemental oxygen more than one night. That stuff is making a huge difference for me.