Nosocomial transmission of cryptococcosis [7]
Journal
New England Journal of Medicine
Journal Volume
352
Journal Issue
12
Pages
1271-1272
Date Issued
2005
Author(s)
Abstract
We appreciate Dr. Grimsley's comments regarding pulse oximetry and methemoglobin. Pulse oximeters estimate oxygen saturation by comparing the absorbance of light at two wavelengths. Infrared light is absorbed by oxyhemoglobin, whereas red light is absorbed by deoxyhemoglobin. The absorbance characteristics of methemoglobin are similar to those of oxyhemoglobin, falsely elevating pulse-oximeter readings. o-oximeters measure light absorbance at four or more discrete wavelengths, providing accurate measurement of oxygen saturation, methemoglobin, and carboxyhemoglobin. In our patient, the oxygen saturation as measured by co-oximetry was 88.9 percent, the methemoglobin level was 8.8 percent, and the carboxyhemoglobin level was 1.2 percent.
SDGs
Other Subjects
aged; bacteremia; case report; cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus neoformans; hospital infection; human; infection control; letter; lung squamous cell carcinoma; male; methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus; priority journal; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross Infection; Cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus neoformans; Disease Transmission, Horizontal; Humans; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Male; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Type
letter