The neonatal blood oxygen probe is an indispensable medical item for monitoring blood oxygen saturation of the newborn. In the process of use, we must strictly follow the operating rules to avoid misreading.

1. The measurement position of the blood oxygen saturation of the newborn should be the fleshy part of the palm of the baby's palm or the sole of the foot, and the light-emitting part of the blood oxygen probe should be placed here.

2. Place the receiving position of the probe on the back of the hand or foot.

3. The photodetector and light emitter must be facing each other for accurate readings.

4. Secure the probe to the baby's right hand or foot using the manufacturer's recommended adhesive or foam tape. The use of tape to secure probe placement is not recommended.

Problems that should be paid attention to during use

1. If a disposable pulse oximeter probe is used, a new, clean probe should be used for each baby. If a reusable pulse probe is used, we need to sterilize and clean the probe with the sterilizing tool recommended in the instruction manual before each baby uses it. Because the probe will be contaminated with sebum or other substances during use, this may not only lead to errors in blood oxygen saturation readings, but also may cause cross-infection.

2. The best places to measure blood oxygen saturation in infants are around the palms and feet. The probe used for the measurement of blood oxygen saturation in neonates has the corresponding specifications of the neonatal blood oxygen probe, and cannot be measured with an adult probe.

3. When placing the sensor on the baby's skin, there should be no gap between the sensor and the skin. The two sides of the probe should be directly opposite each other. And we must fix the probe with foam tape to prevent the probe from shifting due to the movement of the baby during the measurement, resulting in inaccurate measurement.

4. Nail polish dyes and substances with dark pigmentation (such as dried blood) can affect pulse readings. Make sure the skin is clean and dry before placing the probe on the baby. Skin color and jaundice did not affect pulse oximetry readings.

5. Movement, shaking and crying can affect the accuracy of the readings. Make sure to stay quiet and warm during the measurement for the baby. If possible, parents are encouraged to participate in the measurement process to improve infant comfort and avoid crying infants that affect data results. Also, screening is best done while the baby is awake.

6. The compatibility and index of different pulse oximeters are different to ensure that the blood oxygen probe can correctly match the oximeter.

7. If the baby needs to monitor the pulse for a long time, check and evaluate the position of the probe at least every two hours to avoid irritation and burns to the skin.