Transcutaneous Oximetry is a method of measuring oxygen levels in the blood through the skin. The word is spelled as /ˌtræns.kjuːˈteɪ.ni.əs ɒkˈsɪm.ɪ.tri/, which can be broken down into its individual phonetic components. The word begins with the prefix "trans" (/træns/), meaning "across" or "through". The second part of the word is "cutaneous" (/kjuːˈteɪ.ni.əs/), meaning "related to the skin." Finally, "oximetry" (/ɒkˈsɪm.ɪ.tri/) refers to "a technique for measuring oxygen levels." Together, these components make up the spelling and pronunciation of Transcutaneous Oximetry.
Transcutaneous oximetry refers to a non-invasive medical technique that measures the oxygen concentration within the blood by assessing the level of oxygen diffusing across the skin. It involves the use of a transcutaneous oximeter, which is a device that consists of sensors placed on the surface of the skin, commonly on the earlobe or forearm.
Transcutaneous oximetry works on the principle of Clark electrode technology, where a small, flexible electrode is applied to the skin and measures the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood vessels located just beneath the skin. The electrode transmits the data to the oximeter, which displays the oxygen levels in real-time.
This technique is commonly used in the medical field to monitor and assess the oxygenation levels of patients, particularly those with respiratory or circulatory disorders. By continuously measuring oxygen saturation, transcutaneous oximetry provides valuable information about the patient's overall oxygenation status, helping healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and management of various conditions.
In addition to monitoring oxygen levels, transcutaneous oximetry can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of oxygen therapy and determine if further interventions are necessary.
Overall, transcutaneous oximetry is a valuable tool in healthcare that provides non-invasive and real-time assessment of oxygenation levels in patients, aiding in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of respiratory and circulatory disorders.
The word "transcutaneous" is derived from Latin and combines the prefix "trans-" meaning "across" or "through" and the word "cutaneous" which refers to the skin. Therefore, "transcutaneous" literally means "through the skin".
The term "oximetry" is a combination of the word "oxygen" and the suffix "-metry" which means "measurement". So, "oximetry" refers to the measurement of oxygen levels.
In summary, "transcutaneous oximetry" is a medical term that describes the measurement of oxygen levels through the skin.