Protect your patients against imitation sensors

Don’t risk patient safety with Pulse Oximetry imitation sensors

Using imitation SpO₂ sensors may seem cost-effective, but the consequences can be severe. Imitation sensors lack the accuracy and reliability, that genuine Nellcor™ sensors provide, putting patient outcomes at potential risk.^1,2†

Pulse Oximeters are more than just a monitor and sensor—they are a system. The performance of each element and how well they work together matter. ISO 80601-2-61 certification ensures that Pulse Oximeters deliver reliable and accurate readings, including under challenging conditions like low perfusion and motion.³

Nellcor™ pulse oximetry technology offers a motion-tolerant pulse oximeter portfolio that is compliant with ISO 80601-2-61:2011. Motion tolerant pulse oximetry is critical for ensuring patient safety because patient movement can thwart accurate readings and delay diagnosis of serious respiratory compromise.²

Why Pulse Oximetry accuracy matters: ISO standards protect your patients

ISO 80601-2-61, the global benchmark for Pulse Oximetry, mandates strict accuracy requirements3. Genuine Nellcor™ sensors not only meet these standards—they exceed them^1-3†. Bench testing showed that imitation sensors do not meet the stated requirements of ISO, are often calibrated incorrectly, leading to significant errors in SpO₂ readings1. In some cases, they overestimate oxygen saturation by as much as 18%, which is well beyond the clinically acceptable 4 point error.¹

ISO 80601-2-61 outlines the critical aspects of Pulse Oximeter performance:

• Accuracy: Ensures reliable SpO₂ data for safe patient monitoring. 
• Response time: Sets the acceptable speed for displaying accurate readings.
• Safety: Protects patients and users from potential hazards associated with Pulse Oximeters
• Performance: Establishes how the device should preform under varying conditions. 

The user must ensure that each compnent of the Oximetry system - monitor, sensor, and cable - are validated for compatibility and performance.

Imitation sensors come with risks

In neonatal care, every decision you make can have a life-saving impact. With the increasing presence of imitation SpO₂ sensors on the market, it's easy to be tempted by lower costs. However, these imitation sensors come with serious risks. Unlike ISO-certified Nellcor™ sensors, imitation alternatives can fail to meet stringent standards, putting your most vulnerable patients at risk.^1,4,†

Cutting corners with imitation sensors could result in:

• Provide inaccurate oxygen saturation levels^1,4,†
• Fail to maintain safety under challenging conditions^4,†
• Increased false alarms or missed hypoxic events due to unreliable data^4,†
• Lack of proper shielding against electomagnetic interference, causing inaccurate readings^4,† 

Sensor calibration and quality manufacturing 

Nellcor™ Pulse Oximetry sensors with OxiMax™ technology come with built-in calibration to ensure the correct translation of light absorption data into accurate SpO₂ readings.

In contrast, unvalidated sensors can suffer from mismatched calibration, resulting in significant errors^1,4,†. Moreover, proper manufacturing processes ensure consistent and precise performance across different patients and situations^1,4,†.

Why choose Nellcor™? Higher quality standard

Nellcor™ sensors deliver highly accurate readings even in challenging conditions like patient motion or low perfusion^2,‡, thanks to advanced technology like OxiMax™ and SatSeconds™.

They are ISO 80601-2-61 certified, ensuring safety and reliability^2,‡, and help reduce alarm fatigue by up to 40% while providing early detection of respiratory distress^{2,‡, 5,6,§}. These solutions are trusted for improving patient outcomes, particularly in critical care environments

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