RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Comparison of Two SpO2 Targets With Two Different Oximeters - Impact on FiO2 During Nasal High Flow Oxygen Therapy

This study is for adult patients in intensive care who are receiving oxygen through a high-flow nasal machine. We're exploring how different types of oxygen monitors (called oximeters) and different oxygen level targets might affect the amount of oxygen doctors decide to give. Sometimes, things like skin colour or the type of monitor can change how accurately oxygen levels are read. We want to find out if these differences lead to patients getting more or less oxygen than they need. The goal is to make sure patients always get the most accurate and appropriate oxygen treatment, helping them breathe better when they are very unwell, especially if they have trouble with their lungs.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Laval University

Enrolment target

Start

21 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2027

Oxygen Delivery Acute Respiratory Failure High Flow Oxygen Therapy Hypoxemic Acute Respiratory Failure

What is this study about?

When people are very unwell and need help breathing, doctors often give them extra oxygen through a high-flow machine that fits into their nose. To make sure patients get just the right amount, doctors use a small device called an oximeter, which clips onto a finger or earlobe, to measure the oxygen level in their blood. This level is shown as a percentage, often called SpO2.

This study wants to understand if two things make a difference to how much oxygen is given: first, the specific brand of oximeter used, and second, what the target oxygen level is set to (for example, aiming for 90% versus 94%). Sometimes, factors like a person's skin colour or even nail polish can affect how well an oximeter reads, making it tricky to know if the reading is perfectly accurate. If the reading isn't quite right, doctors might adjust the oxygen levels differently.

The main aim is to see how these different oximeters and target oxygen levels influence the exact amount of oxygen (called FiO2) that patients receive when they are using the high-flow nasal oxygen machine. By understanding this better, doctors can make more informed decisions, ensuring patients always receive the most appropriate and effective oxygen support to help them recover.

Key takeaways

Looks at how two different oxygen monitors affect oxygen delivery.
Compares aiming for different oxygen levels (90% vs 94%).
Aims to improve how patients in intensive care get oxygen.
Involves short observation periods and existing blood draws.
Your medical care will not be affected if you choose not to take part.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to be at least 18 years old and currently receiving care in an intensive care unit. You'd also need to have a tiny tube in one of your arteries, usually in your wrist, which allows doctors to take blood samples easily. Importantly, you must already be using a high-flow machine to give you oxygen through your nose, and your oxygen levels (SpO2) should be generally between 88% and 100% with the oxygen amount you're currently receiving.

There are also reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if the oximeter isn't able to get a clear reading of your oxygen levels, or if you have false nails or nail polish on (as these can interfere with the oximeter). If you have certain high levels of a specific substance in your blood (called methemoglobinemia) or if you're in isolation because of an infection (like C. Difficile or COVID-19), you wouldn't be able to take part.

Finally, if doctors expect that you might need a different type of breathing support, like a mask that helps you breathe or a ventilator, within two hours of potentially joining the study, then this study wouldn't be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently receiving care in an intensive care unit?
Do you have a small tube (arterial catheter) in your artery?
Are you using a high-flow nasal oxygen machine right now?
Do you not have false nails or nail polish on?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve four short periods, each lasting 10 minutes. During these periods, your oxygen levels will be monitored using two different oximeter devices (brands called Nonin and Philips) and with two different target oxygen levels (aiming for 90% or 94%). These four periods will happen in a random order, so it won't be the same for every patient.

At the end of each 10-minute period, a small blood sample will be taken from the arterial catheter you already have. This is to get a very precise measurement of your oxygen levels. The total duration of the study activities for you would be around 40 minutes, plus a little extra time for setting up and taking the blood samples. You wouldn't need to take any new medications just for this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include helping researchers better understand how to deliver oxygen therapy more precisely, which could improve care for future patients. There are minimal direct risks to you, as the study uses equipment and procedures (like oximeters and existing arterial blood draws) that are already part of your routine care. The extra blood collections are small and done through an existing line. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec - Université Laval
Verified postcode
Québec, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'high-flow nasal oxygen therapy'?

It's a way of giving you extra oxygen through soft tubes that fit into your nose, using a machine that can deliver oxygen at a higher flow rate than standard nose tubes.

What is an oximeter?

It's a small device, often clipped to your finger, that measures the oxygen level in your blood without needing to take a blood sample.

What does SpO2 mean?

SpO2 is the percentage that shows how much oxygen your blood is carrying. For example, SpO2 90% means 90% of your blood is carrying oxygen.

Will I get different treatment if I join?

The study is looking at how existing monitors and targets affect oxygen delivery, but your doctors will always make sure you are getting the oxygen you need for your condition.

How long will the study take for me?

The study activities for you will involve four 10-minute periods, so about 40 minutes in total, plus a little extra time for set-up and blood samples.

How to find out more

Francois Lellouche Principal Investigator

francois.lellouche@criucpq.ulaval.ca 418-656-8711 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.