What percentage drop in the SpO2 data must be seen to score an obstructive event?

What percentage drop in the SpO2 data must be seen to score an obstructive event?

• A. No required drop in the SpO2 channel
• B. 3%
• C. 5%
• D. 4%

Answer: (A)

Obstructive events are defined by a pause in airflow with continued respiratory effort, lasting enough seconds, and they do not depend on oxygen saturation changes. A desaturation is not required to label something as obstructive; it may or may not occur. Desaturation thresholds (such as 3%, 4%, or 5%) pertain to scoring hypopneas or other criteria, not to obstructive apneas. So the correct idea is that no SpO2 drop is required to score an obstructive event.

Obstructive events are defined by a pause in airflow with continued respiratory effort, lasting enough seconds, and they do not depend on oxygen saturation changes. A desaturation is not required to label something as obstructive; it may or may not occur. Desaturation thresholds (such as 3%, 4%, or 5%) pertain to scoring hypopneas or other criteria, not to obstructive apneas. So the correct idea is that no SpO2 drop is required to score an obstructive event.