Overnight Oximetry

Oximetry is a test that measures your oxygen level and heart rate. When used overnight, a continuous measurement can be graphed. The patterns that are produced can assist in the diagnosing of Sleep Apnea.

Through this quick and easy test, a clinical diagnosis can be made by your physician. To be tested, IRS Independent Respiratory Services (IRS) requires a referral from your physician that can be faxed to 1-866-888-6011.

Click here for a printable Referral Form
to take to your doctor. (PDF format)

Overnight Oximetry Set-Up & Sleep Diary

Step 1. At a normal bedtime, place the probe on a finger (no rings or nail polish) with the cord to the monitor. Tape along the top of the finger. Tape in one or two places on the finger and twice on the back of the hand as shown. Leave the monitor in its case. DO NOT put tape around the probe. Note: If a person’s finger is very cold due to poor blood circulation, monitoring may not work.

Step 2. Turn the monitor on by pushing the “I” button. If there is a good signal, a green light should flash with each heartbeat and there should be a SpO2 and heart rate number above it. When the numbers are displayed and the green light is flashing, push the “up arrow” button to dim the lights and go to sleep. Note: If you wake up to go to the bathroom, or the probe feels too tight and you put it on a different finger, note the time on the diary provided.

Step 3. In the morning turn the monitor off by pushing the “0″ button. If there were any concerns that monitoring wasn’t successful please call IRS Independent Respiratory Services at 1-877-965-6204.

Step 4. Deliver monitor the next day back to the IRS office or clinic. Or if you were instructed, ship the monitor, and any notes or questionnaires, back to your local IRS office. Shipping costs are your responsibility.

We require that the monitor be sent back to us promptly the day after your test is finished.

Click here for a printable Sleep Diary. (PDF format)

About Polysomnography Ovenight Sleep Studies

The most thorough way to test for sleep apnea is to have an overnight stay at a sleep clinic, called polysomnography, or PSG.

The cost of such overnight stays in Canada is covered by the Medical Services Plan of your province.

The PSG measures breathing and apneas, chest movement, oxygen levels, REM, leg movement, brain activity and heart rate through about 25 external probes attached to your head, neck, chest, and legs. None of these tests require the puncturing of the skin. These measurements are monitored throughout the night.

It is matter of discussion and opinion whether all this information is essential to diagnose OSA, (Obstructive Sleep Apnea), but this extra information will help diagnose other less common breathing disorders as well as other medical conditions such as heart failure and brain disorders.

If sleep apnea is confirmed by PSG, most sleep specialists will insist on a second overnight stay, where again the probes will be attached, as well as a face mask. Varying air pressures will be applied throughout the night to determine the optimal settings for the patient.

Many possible sleep apnea sufferers do not want the inconvenience and commitment of a night away from home. There is also considerable delay in obtaining a bed in public sleep clinics, ranging from 1 to 6 months.

Sleep Study Advantages

A full sleep study is the most complete test to determine sleep apnea and its medical effects, although some find it intimidating, uncomfortable and inconvenient.

For those who cannot or do not want an overnight sleep study, a simple home test such as Overnight Oximetry is an option. With home screening, the client will know whether Sleep Apnea is a problem, and can then investigate or treat further.