What is hemoximetry also known as?

Hemoximetry is a specialized form of co-oximetry that specifically measures the concentration of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood. This method assesses the levels of different hemoglobin species, including oxyhemoglobin, deoxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin, which is crucial for understanding a patient’s oxygenation status.

Co-oximetry, the broader term, refers to the technique that measures the absorption of light at multiple wavelengths to determine the different forms of hemoglobin present in the blood. Hemoximetry is essentially a specific application of co-oximetry focused on evaluating oxygen levels, making the two terms closely related but distinctly applicable in different contexts.

The other options refer to different respiratory monitoring tools. Pulse oximetry measures the saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen noninvasively using a sensor placed on the skin, capnography measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in exhaled air, and spirometry assesses lung function and airflow. Each of these tests serves a unique purpose in respiratory care, but they do not specifically relate to hemoximetry or its analysis of hemoglobin.