Heart Biomarker Evaluation in Apnea Treatment

3.1.2 Clinical Settings Requirements

Temperature

• Thermo-neutral surroundings (ambient temperature 21-24 Celsius / 70-75 Fahrenheit)
• Sufficient acclimatization time – 20 minutes (when entering from hotter/colder surroundings)
• Cover patients who are cold (blanket)
• No breeze or draught in the room

Light

• Refrain from exposure to harsh light (dimmed lighting is preferred)

Noise

• Quiet test environment - avoid loud noises or adjacent to loud places
• Turn off desk-phones, cell phones, beepers
• Place a “Do not disturb sign” on the door

Device settings

• Turn the Endo-PAT to ON 20 minutes prior to use
• Position device 1-2 feet from the patient (due to the length of the tubing of the probes)
• Best to have the Endo-PAT2000 placed on a trolley next to a laptop computer
• Position the Laptop so the patient cannot see the screen

Patient

• Supine position
• Fasting, should refrain from using nicotine or caffeine for prior 3 hours
• Comfortable and fully relaxed
• Refrain from talking with patient and among staff
• Ask patient to refrain from talking unless really necessary
• Both arms rested and supported at the sides of body
• Hands (probes) at heart level
• Probes on both hands should not be in contact with any surface
• Relaxed fingers
• Probes’ tubing should not come in contact with the patient’s hand