The FDA has given Masimo clearance to introduce the TFA-1 disposable forehead sensor that lets clinicians get pulse oximetry readings from the forehead instead of the fingertip. The device uses Masimo’s proprietary SET Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion technology to provide accurate readings that rival traditional pulse oximeters. It can measure oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate (PR), perfusion index (PI), and PVI, changes in the perfusion index that occur due to breathing.
Measuring oxygen saturation at the forehead may help avoid local inconsistencies caused by taking readings at the tip of one of the appendages. According to Masimo, a study published in 2004 showed that the forehead provides earlier signs of oxygen desaturation and resaturation than readings taken at the finger.
Moreover, people with injured fingers are often a challenge for finger pulse oximeters, and forehead sensors can be much easier to access for clinicians.
Product brochure (PDF): TFA-1 Disposable Forehead Sensors…
Via: Masimo…