What is the recommended MAXIMUM desirable sampling rate for recording oximetry?

The recommended maximum desirable sampling rate for recording oximetry is 25 Hz. This rate is sufficient to accurately capture the changes in oxygen saturation levels in the blood. Oximetry is primarily focused on measuring the pulsatile component of light absorption through the skin, which correlates with the arterial blood oxygen saturation.

Sampling more frequently than 25 Hz does not provide significant additional benefits in terms of clinical interpretation and can lead to increased data storage needs without enhancing the accuracy of the measurements. This optimal rate ensures that enough data points are collected to effectively monitor and analyze the patient's oxygen saturation trends while avoiding unnecessary data overload.

Higher sampling rates, while theoretically possible, can result in excessive data that may complicate analysis and interpretation without meaningful improvements in clinical outcomes. Thus, 25 Hz strikes a good balance between data quality and operational efficiency in polysomnographic practice.