Abstract: An alignment guide system for use with conventional pulse oximetry monitors connected to transmissive pulse oximetry sensors. The system generates a bar graph or other display showing the magnitude of the optical coupling between the LED's and light detector used in the sensor. By manipulating the position of the sensor while observing the bar graph, medical practitioners can optimize the mount of light from the LED's reaching the light detector. The bar graph also contains an alarm limit marker. If the bar graph falls below the alarm limit marker, the entire bar graph flashes to alert the medical practitioner that the mount of light transmitted to the LED's to the light detector may not be enough to permit sufficiently accurate oxygen saturation measurements.

Abstract: Apparatus for calibrating the gas detector of a gas analyzer includes a gas source circuit for providing a standard sample gas at a substantially constant, predetermined pressure. The gas source circuit includes a gas bottle for containing the standard sample gas and a pressure regulator circuit for maintaining the output pressure of the gas source circuit to the substantially constant, predetermined pressure. Ideally, the gas source circuit is semipermanently coupled to the gas detector so that calibration may be performed at any time, even while the gas detector is coupled in an analysis circuit for analyzing an unidentified sample gas. The gas analyzer further includes a data processor that responds to programming instructions and data for controlling the gas source circuit and gas detector to perform the zero measurement and span measurement needed for calibration.