OVERNIGHT OXIMETRY TESTING PROCESS

Vitalistics makes the oximetry testing process easy for patients.

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The Oximetry Testing Process: What is an Overnight Oximetry Test?

The overnight oximetry testing process is a simple way to access your overnight oxygen levels. Pulse oximeters record oxygen saturation and heart rate levels of patients overnight while asleep. This is an easy self-administered test that is done from the comfort of your own home. It is a small, easy to use oximeter device that consists of an oxygen sensor clipped to your finger. You sleep with the oximeter overnight and it records data continuously throughout the night. The data recorded measures your blood oxygen levels and results in a comprehensive report your physician will review.

Patient Overnight Oximetry Testing

An overnight oximetry test is a useful tool used for determining if a patient has hypoxemia (abnormally low concentration of oxygen in the blood) and is in need of home oxygen, or if the patient is already on home oxygen therapy, they may need to increase or decrease their current levels. Typically if oxygen levels fall below and are sustained at or below 88-90 percent the patient is in need of home oxygen therapy.

Overnight pulse oximetry testing not only determines the need for oxygen, but also screens patients for signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). While it provides limited amount of information for a complete diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, it is typically the first step in determining whether further in-lab testing or home sleep testing is needed to obtain proper diagnosis and treatment.

Who Would Benefit from an Overnight Oximetry Test?

Patients with a strong history of smoking, chronic bronchitis, history of pneumonia or asthma, asbestosis, or any form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) would likely benefit from an overnight pulse oximetry test. It may also be beneficial to any patient currently on home oxygen therapy who feel they may no longer require or who may need to increase their oxygen.

How the overnight oximetry testing process works

Do you suspect that you are suffering from sleep-disordered breathing or feel your oxygen levels may be abnormal?
You may be recommended for an overnight pulse oximetry test.

1

Pre – Screening Questionnaire

Even though an overnight pulse oximetry test must be ordered by a physician, if you’re uncertain if you should schedule an appointment with your physician, you can start by completing our FREE online sleep assessment to determine if you could be in need of oxygen therapy.

2

Visit Your Physician

If your assessment shows signs of sleep-disordered breathing or another sleep disorder, bring your results with when visiting your personal physician and discuss options of an overnight pulse oximetry test with Vitalistics. If they believe you may be in need of oxygen therapy and may benefit from an OPO test, they will order the test for you.

3

Receive Pulse Oximeter

Once the test has been ordered by your physician, the oximeter will be delivered directly to your home along with instructions from Vitalistics™.  If you have any questions or concerns, Vitalistics is available 24/7.

4

Wear Oximeter Overnight

Following the included instructions, and wear the pulse oximeter overnight as it records your pulse and oxygen saturation levels while in the comfort of your own home.

5

Review Results with Your Physician

The next day you will return the pulse oximeter with the provided return label to Vitalistics for processing. The Overnight Pulse Oximetry Test report will be sent directly to your physician for review. Your physician will follow up with you regarding the results and next steps.

If the patient’s oxygen level is abnormal (falls below 88 to 90 percent) the physician may order oxygen therapy
and the DME will return to patients home to set up oxygen.

Patient Benefits

  • Sleep comfortably in your own home.
  • An overnight oximetry test is a convenient and cost-effective way to measure your blood oxygen levels and heart rate.
  • Step by step illustrated instructions provided for each oximeter type.
  • 24/7 patient support provided in both English and Spanish for questions or concerns during your test.
Home Pulse Oximetry Instructions