Scientists from the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China have developed a portable probe that uses near-infrared light to measure blood oxygen saturation in the tissue surrounding the central internal jugular vein in the neck. The research was published in The Optical Society's journal, Biomedical Optics Express.
The researchers used a technique called near-infrared spectroscopy or NIRS to develop their new monitoring device. The diffuse reflectance and absorption of near-infrared light are used in NIRS uses to obtain information about the molecular composition of a sample. It's efficient at measuring hemoglobin levels and has seen widespread use as a screening tool for intracranial bleeding. The portable probe allows medicos to monitor a patient's recovery from shock without the hassle of continuously drawing and analyzing blood continuously.
The device consists of a probe with two detectors and a triple-LED. The scientists used ultrasound to guide the placement of the probe on the skin right over the patients' veins.
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