Background and Identification

The GE TuffSat is a portable pulse oximeter made by GE Healthcare. GE Healthcare is a division of General Electric, an American conglomerate. GE Healthcare produces and sells diagnostic imaging agents and medical diagnostic equipment. GE sells healthcare products under the Datex, Ohmeda, PerfTrak, OxyTip, TeleOximetry, TruTrack, and PIr brand names.

The GE TuffSat pulse oximeter is designed for spot-checking arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate. It can be used in respiratory care, subcritical care, home care, prehospital/EMS, rehabilitation, and physician’s office environments.

The GE TuffSat pulse oximeter runs on four 1.5-Volt alkaline AA batteries. It features a neoprene carrying case with a belt clip for portability. The TuffSat model can print data to an optional Hewlett-Packard Infrared Printer (model number HP 82240B) through an infrared link.

The TuffSat pulse oximeter includes a large, backlit LCD (liquid crystal display) screen. GE Healthcare advertises that the backlight allows the monitor’s readings to be seen up to 0.6 meters away in a dark room. It features a rubber grip for easier handling. It also includes a neoprene carrying case with a belt clip. Its body is mainly yellow with black details. The name “TuffSat” is printed vertically along the right-hand side of the device’s front face. The ON/OFF button is located in the center of the device’s front face.

Technical Specifications

General

  • Total operational time: approximately 17 to 20 hours at room temperature using alkaline batteries
  • Automatic power off (5 minutes after monitoring stops) to conserve battery
  • Microprocessor-controlled device
  • Automatic self-test at power on; automatic/continuous system diagnostics

SpO2

  • Calibration: functional
  • Range: 0 to 100%
  • Accuracy, Arms (root mean square of paired data; previously represented by ±1 standard deviation):
    • 70 to 100% ± 2 digits
    • Below 70% unspecified
  • NOTE: Accuracy may vary for some sensors; always check the instructions for the sensor.
  • First reading (full accuracy): ≤ 12 seconds
  • Resolution: 1%

Interfering substances

Carboxyhemoglobin may erroneously increase readings in all pulse oximeters. The level of increase is approximately equal to the amount of carboxyhemoglobin present. Cigarette smokers and victims of smoke inhalation often have increased levels of carboxyhemoglobin. Dyes that change usual arterial pigmentation, or substances containing dyes, may also cause erroneous readings.

Sensor emitter wavelength ranges

  • Red LED peak wavelength range: 650 to 670 nm
  • Infrared (IR) LED peak wavelength range: 930 to 950 nm
  • Average power: ≤ 1 mW

Pulse rate

  • Range: 40 to 255 beats per minute (bpm)
  • Accuracy, assuming a constant pulse rate (± 1 standard deviation):
    • 40 to 100: ± 2 bpm
    • 100 to 255: ± 2%
  • First reading (full accuracy): ≤ 12 seconds
  • Resolution: 1 bpm

PIr pulsatile value

  • Range: 0.01 to 9.99
  • Averaging interval: 12 seconds

Additional Information

Wikipedia: GE Healthcare

GE TuffSat Product Page

GE TuffSat Service Page