Original Article

Clinical Evaluation of a New Saturation/Hematocrit Monitor

Deborah Heart and Lung Center, Browns Mills, NJ

^* Address correspondence to: Mark F. Miller 529 Regen hard Ave. Moorestown, NJ 08057

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of the Cobe SAT/HCT Monitor, an in-line device which continuously displays hematocrit and venous oxygen saturation. A fiber optic cable was used to connect the monitor to a “window” on the blood inlet of a venous reservoir (Cobe CML). Sixty venous blood samples were drawn from 20 patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Statistical correlations were performed comparing monitorreadings with controls measured by an IL 482 co-oximeter and a TRIAC centrifuge. Results showed a high degree of correlation between the monitor and control values for both venous saturation (r = .96) and for hematocrit (r= .94). Although this device has some minor deficiencies, it is a useful tool which enables the perfusionist to monitor two important components of oxygen consumption.