Pulse oximetry is now a key component of paediatric diagnosis, especially for conditions like bronchiolitis. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated its guidance. It highlights the use of pulse oximetry for assessing children with suspected bronchiolitis. This helps ensure early and accurate diagnosis.

Why Pulse Oximetry is Essential in Paediatric Diagnosis

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to measure oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood. It helps healthcare workers decide how serious a child's condition is. They can then determine if the child needs to go to the hospital or requires further treatment. According to the NICE guidelines (NG9), pulse oximetry should be performed in all babies and children suspected of having bronchiolitis. This recommendation ensures a standardised approach to assessing respiratory distress in young patients. Learn more about our medical equipment to support paediatric care.

NICE Guidelines on Using Pulse Oximetry

NICE provides clear recommendations for healthcare professionals regarding the use of pulse oximetry in paediatric assessment:

• Use pulse oximetry to measure oxygen saturation levels in all children with suspected bronchiolitis where available, including in primary care settings.
• Understand the limitations of pulse oximetry, particularly that some devices may underestimate or overestimate oxygen levels, especially in cases of borderline oxygen saturation.
• Be careful when using pulse oximetry on children with darker skin tones. Research shows that some oximeters may give higher oxygen level readings than actual. Read more about patient safety in pulse oximetry.
• Ensure healthcare professionals are trained to use pulse oximeters correctly, including selecting the right probe size and ensuring proper placement to avoid false readings.

When to Refer a Child to Hospital

NICE advises that babies and children with bronchiolitis should be referred to hospital if they have persistent oxygen saturation below 92% when breathing air. In secondary care settings, admission is recommended for:

• Children aged six weeks and older with oxygen saturation below 90%.
• Infants under six weeks old or children with underlying conditions with oxygen saturation below 92%.

These thresholds help ensure that vulnerable patients receive timely and appropriate care. For further guidelines on paediatric emergency care, visit the NHS website.

Choosing the Right Paediatric Pulse Oximeter

To comply with NICE guidelines and enhance diagnostic accuracy, healthcare providers need high-quality, reliable pulse oximeters specifically designed for paediatric patients. At Primary Care Supplies, we provide a variety of paediatric pulse oximeters. These tools help healthcare professionals give accurate and evidence-based care to patients. Our selection includes:

• Specialist paediatric probes for accurate readings in new-born, infants, and young children.
• Easy-to-read digital displays to ensure quick interpretation of SpO2 levels.
• User-friendly designs for seamless operation in clinical and primary care settings.

Browse our full collection of pulse oximeters to find the right device for your needs.

Explore Our Paediatric Pulse Oximeters

For more information about our range of paediatric pulse oximeters, visit our product page: Paediatric Pulse Oximeters. Final Thoughts Pulse oximetry is an invaluable tool in paediatric diagnosis, and its role in NICE guidelines highlights its importance in primary and secondary care. Ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to reliable, high-quality devices can make a significant difference in patient outcomes. By keeping up with the latest NICE recommendations and using the right tools, you can provide safe and effective care for children. For more insights on healthcare technology, explore our latest resources.