Method and apparatus for measuring capillary refill time and carrying out pulse oximetry with a single device

摘要

A device for measuring the capillary refill time of a patient and for use in determining an amount of oxygen in the blood of the patient has light sources and a light detector for use in carrying out pulse oximetry. The device also includes an actuator for applying pressure to a selected portion of the body of the patient, such as the nail bed of a finger or toe of the patient, to cause the removal of blood from the nail bed when actuated. A timer commences a time interval with a deactuation of the actuator. The deactuation relieves the pressure applied by the actuator to the body portion of the patient and allows blood to return to the portion. The timing interval is terminated by a reduction in the amount of light received by the light detector as a result of the restoration of blood to the body portion. The time interval so determined comprises an indication of the capillary refill time of the patient. Compensation in accordance with a skin temperature measurement may be provided.