Nonadhesive Pulse Oximetry Sensor for Neonates

New nonadhesive pulse oximetry sensors are designed to protect the delicate skin of neonates as well as geriatric and other patients with compromised skin integrity.

Research conducted by the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the National Association of Neonatal Nurses has found that adhesives were the primary cause of skin breakdown among neonatal ICU patients, with pulse oximetry sensors cited as one of the therapeutic interventions that can cause skin injury. As a result of this finding, the research group developed new clinical practice guidelines for neonatal skin care that advocates minimizing the use of adhesives.

To meet these new guidelines, new sensors have been developed that are made of a soft, pliable foam material and are fastened around the sensor site with Velcro instead of adhesive tape. The sensors, called SoftCare, were developed by Nellcor (Pleasantown, CA, USA) and can be used with Nellcor's OxiMax pulse oximeters and other manufacturer's monitoring systems equipped with OxiMax technology. The sensors have been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

"We have voiced the need to reduce the use of adhesives in neonatal pulse oximetry monitoring to the medical manufacturing industry, and Nellcor has answered the call with the development of the SoftCare sensor, a sensor that completely eliminates the use of adhesives.”




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