SpO2: pulse oxygen saturation; 6MWT: 6 minute walk test; HAST: hypoxia altitude simulation test, also called hypoxic challenge test; PaO2: arterial partial pressure of oxygen; COPD: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; FAA: Federal Aviation Administration; POC: portable oxygen concentrator; FiO2: fraction of inspired oxygen; PaCO2: arterial tension of carbon dioxide; CO2: carbon dioxide.
* For most patients, an FAA-approved, battery-powered POC is used to provide supplemental oxygen in flight. Refer to UpToDate content regarding prescription of in-flight oxygen.
¶ HAST involves inhalation of gas mixed to an FiO2 of 15.1% for 20 minutes to simulate an altitude of 8000 feet (2438 meters). HAST may not be covered by medical insurance. Refer to UpToDate content regarding specifics of testing and monitoring.
Δ During HAST, SpO2 has a good but not perfect correlation with PaO2; assessment of PaO2 is preferred if available.
◊ HAST is less accurate than hypobaric testing but more readily available. Determining exact supplemental oxygen requirement during HAST is technically difficult and may underestimate supplemental oxygen requirements. PaCO2 or end-tidal CO2 should be assessed during supplemental oxygen administration in patients with prior or current hypercapnia.Do you want to add Medilib to your home screen?