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

Answer: (D)

Obstructive events are defined by a cessation or reduction of airflow with continued or increased respiratory effort, not by a required drop in oxygen saturation. SpO2 changes are not part of the fundamental criterion for identifying an obstructive event; you can have an obstructive apnea or hypopnea without a desaturation, and desaturation may occur but is not required to score the event. The desaturation thresholds (such as 3% or 4%) are used with hypopneas as supporting criteria, but they do not define obstructive events.

Obstructive events are defined by a cessation or reduction of airflow with continued or increased respiratory effort, not by a required drop in oxygen saturation. SpO2 changes are not part of the fundamental criterion for identifying an obstructive event; you can have an obstructive apnea or hypopnea without a desaturation, and desaturation may occur but is not required to score the event. The desaturation thresholds (such as 3% or 4%) are used with hypopneas as supporting criteria, but they do not define obstructive events.