A transcutaneous oxygen and carbon dioxide monitor is a device that
measures the oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in a baby's blood. This test does
not require a doctor or a nurse to take a blood sample from the baby.
The monitor is connected to the baby by a lead (wire), the end of
which has a small circle that is held in place with a small round adhesive
patch. The circle heats the skin, which allows it to measure blood oxygen and
carbon dioxide content. The machine translates this information into a constant
readout and has an alarm for readings that are above or below safe
levels.
