Hemoglobinopathy case finding by pulse oximetry

Abstract

Pulse oximetry is a widely used, noninvasive instrument for monitoring oxygen saturation. Its use, however, is limited in the setting of dyshemoglobinemias. We report a case of hemoglobin Rothschild in an Asian patient diagnosed as a result of routine pulse oximetry. This case reiterates the limitations of pulse oximetry in patients with dyshemoglobinemias, while introducing its use as a case-finding tool for such conditions.