Thank you for your cooperation. This will assist us in getting the most accurate information and enable us to provide you with the most appropriate treatment.
“Overnight oximetry” is a test designed to assess the level of oxygen in your body when you are asleep.
You will need to use this machine for the two nights after you receive it, and then return it to the hospital.
This is a simple non-invasive procedure to check that you are taking in enough oxygen when you are asleep.
At the appointment you will collect an overnight oximetry machine, which will be loaned to you by the hospital. This is used overnight in your own home. The Physiologist will explain the test to you and answer any queries you may have. They will show you how to use the machine. The instructions are also attached to the machine. You will be asked to complete some questionnaires to give you further information about your sleep pattern.
The oximetry machine assesses your blood oxygen levels, your pulse, and your breathing when you are asleep. This is done using a probe attached to the outside of your finger before you go to sleep in bed.
There is no discomfort or any known side effects associated with this test.
Once you have returned the machine to the hospital, the results will be processed and passed onto the requesting clinician. You are then usually told your results at your next clinic appointment, or a letter may be sent to your GP or the doctor who referred you for the test.
If you don’t have the test we won’t be able to assess your sleep. This may affect the medical treatment that you receive.
A pulse oximeter (with a finger probe attached).
Our finger probes are available in 2 sizes: regular and large. We have other attachments available such as an earlobe probe. If you have any difficulty using the finger probe, please speak to a member of the team for more information.
Paperwork: Instructions. Epworth Score Assessment. Sleep questionnaire.
Please return it to Southmead Hospital “Welcome desk.” This is near the front entrance of the Brunel building, near the Amigos Shop. (Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm).
Southmead Hospital Bristol | North Bristol NHS Trust (nbt.nhs.uk)
If you have any issue returning your equipment, please speak to a member of the team.
© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published July 2024. Review due July 2027. NBT002589
Telephone: 0117 414 5400
Email: respiratoryphysiology@nbt.nhs.uk