Advancing Physiologic Science

We determine the accuracy of pulse oximeters by exposing volunteers to short periods of low oxygen levels (75-100% SaO2) while monitoring how the oximeter responds. This helps us understand if these devices are accurate for everyone regardless of skin color during these low oxygen conditions.

We determine the accuracy of pulse oximeters by exposing volunteers to short periods of low oxygen levels (75-100% SaO2) while monitoring how the oximeter responds. This helps us understand if these devices are accurate for everyone regardless of skin color during these low oxygen conditions.

Our blood pressure studies generate high-fidelity cardiovascular datasets under carefully controlled laboratory conditions in healthy human participants. The study is designed to support the development and verification of non-invasive or invasive blood pressure monitoring technologies.

During the study, participants are continuously monitored using a combination of research sensors and standard clinical monitoring equipment, including ECG, pulse oximetry, blood pressure cuffs, and an arterial pressure catheter. Assessments of cardiac output, systemic vascular resistance and other variables can also be captured. Our team of anesthesiologists and intensivists use pharmacologic and/or exercise to induce temporary, controlled increases and decreases in blood pressure, heart rate, cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance while maintaining continuous clinical oversight and predefined safety limits.

The study includes a screening evaluation followed by a 3–4 hour data collection session, which may be completed during the same visit. The resulting reference-quality datasets enable sponsors to evaluate sensor performance, develop algorithms, and validate new cardiovascular monitoring technologies with confidence.

Please reach out to us via email (hypoxialab@ucsf.edu) if you are interested in this service.

Observe study procedures in real time from anywhere in the world through secure video conferencing. Sponsors, CRCs can remotely view study activities without the need for onsite travel, enabling efficient oversight while reducing logistical burdens. Please check with us to see if this service is possible for your study design.

Protect sensitive study data with advanced encryption solutions designed for secure file transfer, storage, and collaboration. Multiple encryption options are available to meet sponsor requirements and organizational security standards.

During pulse oximetry testing, we can include tools that mimic patient movements. These tools, which come from the manufacturer, are called motion fixtures. They help us simulate scenarios where a patient might be moving, allowing us to see how well the pulse oximeters perform in situations with motion during low oxygen conditions.

We assess pulse oximeters tailored for detecting methemoglobin (metHb), a hemoglobin type not carrying oxygen as usual. To ensure if pulse oximeters reliably detect elevated metHb levels during low-oxygen conditions, volunteers undergo brief low-oxygen exposure (75-100% SaO2) while we observe oximeter responses.

We assess pulse oximeters tailored for detecting carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), a hemoglobin type not carrying oxygen as usual. To ensure if pulse oximeters reliably detect elevated COHb levels during low-oxygen conditions, volunteers undergo brief low-oxygen exposure (75-100% SaO2) while we observe oximeter responses.

We’re studying cerebral oximeters to gauge their accuracy in measuring brain oxygen levels. Comparing readings with direct blood measurements from the artery (SaO2) and jugular vein (SjvO2) helps us assess performance, particularly when arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) is between 70% and 100%.

With low perfusion testing, we can simulate low perfusion (reduced blood flow) using clamps or cuffs. We can also test in various body positions, like the Trendelenburg position. This allows us to examine how well devices perform under low oxygen conditions (75-100% SaO2) where blood flow may be limited or changed.

We’re testing transcutaneous carbon dioxide sensors to see how well they monitor carbon dioxide levels in the blood. We’re examining their performance alone and when used with pulse oximetry and desaturation of oxyhemoglobin (a component of the blood that carries oxygen).

Using medications like Propofol and Remifentanil, we induce temporary breathing pauses (apneic events) to simulate opioid-related respiratory slowdown. The aim is to evaluate how effectively the oximeter combination can identify this reduced oxygen condition, crucial for monitoring patients in these specific medical situations.

To ensure pulse oximeters work effectively in diverse scenarios, we test them on neonates undergoing heart surgery, where physiological conditions change. Multiple blood samples are taken, providing insights into oximeter performance amidst rapidly changing variables.

This study aims to assess the accuracy of new non-invasive pulse oximeters, measuring total blood hemoglobin without skin puncture. By temporarily removing and re-infusing blood in healthy volunteers (isovolemic hemodilution), we induce changes in hemoglobin concentration.