oximetry, a photodiagnostic method of monitoring arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO2). Oximetry is commonly used to titrate levels of oxygen in hospitalized patients. It is used for monitoring the patient’s oxygenation status during the perioperative period or any other time of heavy sedation, during mechanical ventilation, and in many clinical situations, such as pulmonary rehabilitation programs and stress testing. See also pulse oximeter.
