pulse oximeter, an optical device that measures the amount of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the tissue capillaries by transmitting a beam of light through the tissue to a receiver. This noninvasive method of measuring the saturated hemoglobin is a useful screening tool for determining basic respiratory and cardiovascular function. This cliplike device may be used on an earlobe, across the bridge of the nose, in the mouth, on a toe, or on a fingertip. As the amount of saturated hemoglobin alters the wavelengths of the transmitted light, analysis of the received light is translated into a percentage of oxygen saturation (SO2) of the blood. Also called pulse ox. Compare blood gas determination.
