Abstract
This study evaluated the accuracy of the algorithmic oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) nadir detection of WatchPAT (Zoll/Itamar, Caesarea, Israel) compared with visual inspection in a real-world setting. SpO(2) tracings for 209 consecutive adult WatchPAT recordings were reviewed for SpO(2) artifact, with erroneous SpO(2) data removed manually. Error rates for SpO(2) minima were determined across all studies, and relationships between correct and erroneous studies examined. The overall error rate for SpO(2) nadir was 22.5%. Erroneous studies had overall less time spent at SpO(2) ≤ 88%, higher true SpO(2) nadir, lower mean body mass index, and greater artifact time; however, these variables were not associated with the magnitude of discrepancy between manual and algorithmically derived SpO(2) minima. These data demonstrate that SpO(2) nadir determined by WatchPAT algorithms should not be considered universally accurate. Like other home sleep apnea tests, visual inspection and manual correction of the study data are often required to derive accurate clinical results. CITATION: Plante DT, Rumble ME. Don't hold PAT: watch for and correct oximetry artifact. J Clin Sleep Med. 2023;19(12):2113-2116.