The clinical score consists of five components and each component has a score of one. The studies had shown encouraging results. Other criterion for screening sleep apnea using clinical data were studied and published. The researchers also recommended repeating the pulse oximeter measurements over multiple nights to increase the accuracy. The study concluded that patients with positive oximeter readings or clinical scores of 3 or higher would indicate the presence of sleep apnea. False-negatives can largely be explained by their less sever disease, as evidenced by fewer and shorter apneas.

In general, the AHI can be used to classify the severity of disease (mild 5-15, moderate 15-30, and severe greater than 30).Īccording to a sleep apnea screening study performed by Adrian Williams and his colleagues, positive oximeter readings will show the existence of sleep apnea together with a clinical score, false negatives can be drastically reduced. These pauses in breathing must last for 10 seconds and are associated with a decrease in oxygenation of the blood. These tests are to determine the frequency of apneas during sleep and the body's reaction to the sleep apnea.Īpnea-hypopnea index, or AHI, is an index used to assess the severity of sleep apnea based on the total number of complete cessations (apnea) and partial obstructions (hypopnea) of breathing occurring per hour of sleep.

The test monitors various physiological factors during sleep, including brain electrical activity, eye and jaw muscle movement, leg muscle movement, airflow, respiratory effort, EKG, and oxygen saturation. Polysomnography is performed in a sleep laboratory and a patient is required to stay overnight. This approach, though not as accurate as polysomnography, is much simpler, low cost and can be done at home by the patient. Pulse oximetry, along with a clinical score, is an effective screening tool for sleep apnea.

Pulse oximeter sleep monitor