Mathematical model of transmission pulse oximetry

A mathematical model of optical propagation in tissue based on the one-dimensional photon diffusion theory is used to analyze the response of transmission pulse oximeters. The model predicts that errors of over 5% oxygen saturation can occur if there are changes in the emission spectra of the LEDs, the fraction of blood in tissue, the hematocrit or the arterial venous saturation difference. However, the model predicts that the instruments should be insensitive to changes in the red blood cell size, the tissue absorption and scattering cross sections, and infusion of saline.<>