Alaris® EtCO2 module Topic 1: Overview of End Tidal CO2 Monitoring

Comparing EtCO2 and Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) - Ventilation vs. Oxygenation

The waveforms below demonstrate breathing/respiration has stopped (Waveform B, flat EtCO2 measurement), but oxygenation continues (Waveform B, SpO2 measurement).¹

NOTE: Keep in mind that oxygenation levels can be artificially high when supplemental O2 is administered.²

¹(2002) Vargo, J. G. Zuccaro, J. Dumot, et.al. Automated graphic assessment of respiratory activity during therapeutic EGD. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 56 (7) p.p. 826-831
²American Society of Anesthesiologists task force on Sedation and Analgesia by non-anesthesiologists. Practice guidelines for sedation and analgesia by non-anesthesiologists. (2002). Anesthesiology 96:1004-1017.