Technologies
Masimo SET® Overcomes Limitations of Conventional Pulse Oximetry
Masimo SET®, or Signal Extraction Technology®, is the industry-leading, clinically proven pulse oximetry technology that enables accurate monitoring of oxygen saturation and pulse rate for greater visibility of oxygenation. Masimo SET® measures accurately through motion and low perfusion, across patient populations and skin pigmentations.1
Over 100
studies
have shown that Masimo SET® outperforms other pulse oximetry technologies.1
200+ million
patients
are monitored by Masimo SET® pulse oximetry each year.2
All top 10
U.S. hospitals
as ranked in the 2024 Newsweek World’s Best Hospitals listing use Masimo SET® as their primary pulse oximetry technology.3
Unrivaled
SpO2 accuracy
with RD SET® pulse oximetry sensors, achieved through continued innovation.4
The Basics of Pulse Oximetry
What Is Pulse Oximetry?
Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive method of measuring arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate.
In the past, oxygen saturation measurements could only be obtained invasively through laboratory tests that measured the oxygen in an arterial blood sample (SaO2), and pulse rate was obtained through auscultation with a stethoscope.
Why Is Pulse Oximetry Important?
Oxygen plays a critical role in cellular metabolism and oxygen deprivation can result in serious consequences and even death.7,8 Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the levels of oxygen in the blood as well as the rate at which it is being transported throughout the body.
How Does Pulse Oximetry Work?
All pulse oximeters analyze the pleth, a pulse wave originating from the heart and traveling to the measurement site, such as a fingertip or another tissue. By emitting and detecting light at various frequencies through the site, the pulse oximeter measures the amount of light absorption and uses that to provide relevant patient data based on signal processing and algorithmic analysis.
Common Limitations of Pulse Oximetry
Some pulse oximetry devices may not distinguish the true arterial signal from noise, for example, caused by the movement of venous blood.
Motion
Many manufactured devices only provide accurate readings when a patient is not moving10 – making treating babies very challenging.11
Low Perfusion
Conventional pulse oximeter devices struggle to deliver accurate readings in people with low perfusion.12
Skin Pigmentation
Some pulse oximetry devices tend to overestimate arterial oxygenation in darker skin, negatively impacting their ability to detect hypoxemia.13
Therefore, conventional pulse oximeters may lead to high rates of false alarms and failed measurements when used in challenging conditions, such as on patients with low perfusion or during motion.10
Masimo and the Birth of SET® Pulse Oximetry
Joe Kiani, Founder and CEO of Masimo, established the company precisely to address the common limitations of pulse oximeters through the use of adaptive signal processing. The solution, Masimo SET® Measure-through Motion and Low Perfusion™ pulse oximetry, was born.
Since its introduction, Masimo SET® has been shown in more than 100 independent and objective studies to outperform other pulse oximetry technologies.1 Today, Masimo SET® is used at top hospitals worldwide to monitor more than 200 million patients each year.2,3
How Masimo SET® Works
All pulse oximeters analyze red and infrared light that is absorbed by the application site and translate it to pulse oximetry values displayed on the screen. Masimo SET® further utilizes the following techniques to provide accurate measurements:
These two factors in combination allow clinicians to measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate accurately in a variety of scenarios, including during motion, in low perfusion, and across varying skin pigmentation.
Masimo SET®: Accuracy for All
Masimo SET® technology provides accurate readings across all patient populations and clinical settings.
All Patient Populations
All Skin Pigmentations
All Clinical Settings
Masimo SET® is used in all care areas of the hospital and beyond.
In the Hospital
What Do ARMS* Accuracy Specifications Mean for Patient Care?
Accuracy Root Mean Square error (or ARMS) is an established measure of performance.
Condition | SpO2 ARMS Specification (70-100%) | Pulse Rate ARMS Specification (25-240 bpm) |
---|---|---|
No Motion |
1.5% |
3 bpm |
Motion |
1.5% |
5 bpm |
Low Perfusion |
2% |
3 bpm |
Masimo RD SET sensors outperform the industry-wide SpO2 accuracy specification of 3% ARMS.4,15
ARMS Accuracy Simulation
Click on the options below to see the expected SpO2 range for RD SET® and industry-wide pulse oximetry when the true oxygen saturation is 90%.
Condition
Expected SpO2 Range
The expected SpO2 range is:
Impact to Workflow Efficiency
Masimo SET® provides false alarm reduction, better true alarm detection, decreased sensor usage, compatibility with a variety of third-party monitors, and tailored settings for various clinical needs.
False Alarm Reduction
The accuracy of Masimo SET® pulse oximetry leads to fewer false alarms and better true alarm detection,10 reinforcing clinician confidence in measurements for all types of patients.
See additional advantages of Masimo SET® performance compared to Nellcor OxiMax
Better True Alarm Detection
In a study during challenging conditions of motion and low perfusion:
See a side-by-side video comparing Masimo SET® and Nellcor OxiMax in motion and low perfusion
Decreased Sensor Usage
The ability to measure through motion and low perfusion in critically ill patients with Masimo SET® digit sensors enables accurate pulse oximetry readings and may also reduce the need for clinicians to resort to more expensive alternate site options like the forehead or ear sensor.
See a real-world example of the impact of Masimo replacement tapes on sensor usage
Compatibility with a Variety of Third-party Monitors
In addition to Masimo’s comprehensive device portfolio, Masimo SET® is also integrated in over 250 third-party monitors from other leading patient monitoring equipment manufacturers, facilitating a more seamless workflow for clinicians.18
See the list of third-party companies whose monitors can be enabled with Masimo SET® technology
Tailored Settings for Various Clinical Needs
Masimo devices provide settings, like averaging time and sensitivity modes, that are customizable to meet the needs of the particular clinical situation.
See the Masimo specialty sensor portfolio that may help improve your clinical workflow
Products for All Patients and Needs
Masimo SET® technology and pulse oximetry sensors are available for all patient populations, including neonates, infants, children, and adults.
In addition, Masimo SET® technology is available on a wide variety of multi-parameter, bedside, handheld, and fingertip pulse oximeters.
Radius PPG®
Tetherless Pulse Oximetry
Wireless SET® sensors that connect via Bluetooth® to a host monitor for accurate, continuous monitoring on the move
RD SET®
Pulse Oximetry Sensors
Lightweight, low-profile SET® sensors with best-in-class accuracy specifications and environmentally friendly design
Masimo Sensors Offer a Unique Array of Breakthrough Parameters
In addition to SpO2 and PR, all Masimo SET® products provide a noninvasive measure of peripheral perfusion with the perfusion index (Pi) parameter. Studies have evaluated Pi’s clinical utility, for example, in critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) screening in infants.20-22
Masimo SET® Parameters
Foundational Monitoring Available on All SET® Sensors and Devices
Oxygen Saturation†
Pulse Rate†
Perfusion Index
At Masimo, our innovative technologies also go beyond basic pulse oximetry to include a unique array of advanced parameters (noted in red circles) obtained through rainbow® multi-wavelength (4+ LEDs) sensors.
By utilizing these parameters, clinicians can gain visibility to patients’ fluid responsiveness status,‡ respiration rate, oxygenation in the moderate hyperoxic range, hemoglobin concentration, and dyshemoglobin levels.
Upgradable Parameters
Enhanced Monitoring Available on Compatible Sensors and Devices
Sustainability and Health Equity
At Masimo, we are focused on providing fair and equal access to healthcare by ensuring that our pulse oximetry sensors perform accurately on all skin tones,12,13 while also prioritizing sustainability.
We understand that the materials we use and the products we manufacture — including single-patient-use sensors – can have a profound impact on the environment. From sensor design to disposal, Masimo uses materials that are less wasteful and more environmentally friendly without compromising quality or performance.
Masimo RD Sensors: Designed for Sustainability
Masimo RD single-patient-use sensors have become the first ever pulse oximetry products to be recognized with the coveted Greenhealth Approved seal, a designation that is only granted to products that meet specific sustainability criteria.
RD single-patient-use sensors:
Masimo SET® Clinical Evidence
The impact of Masimo SET® technology has been demonstrated in a variety of peer-reviewed studies.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
“Can Changes in Clinical Practice Decrease the Incidence of Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants?”
Chow LC et al. Pediatrics. 2003;111(2):339-45.
“Prevention of Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Infants Through Changes in Clinical Practice and SpO2 Technology”
Castillo et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Feb;100(2):188-92.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
“Inpatient Respiratory Arrest Associated with Sedative and Analgesic Medications: Impact of Continuous Monitoring on Patient Mortality and Severe Morbidity”
McGrath S et al. J Patient Saf. 2021; 17(8):557-561.
“Surveillance Monitoring Management for General Care Units: Strategy, Design, and Implementation”
McGrath S et al. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2016; 42(7): 293-302.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
“Performance of Three New-generation Pulse Oximeters During Motion and Low Perfusion in Volunteers”
Shah et al. J Clin Anesth. 2012;24(5):385-91.
“Avoiding Hyperoxemia During Neonatal Resuscitation: Time to Response of Different SpO2 Monitors”
Baquero H et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Apr;100(4):515-8
“Accuracy of Pulse Oximeters Intended for Hypoxemic Pediatric Patients”
Harris B. et al. Ped Crit Care Med. 2016;17(4):315-20.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
“Racial Effects on Masimo Pulse Oximetry: A Laboratory Study”
Barker SJ, Wilson WC. J of Clin Monit and Comput. 2022;37,567-74.
“Racial Effects on Masimo Pulse Oximetry: Impact of Low Perfusion Index”
Sharma et al. J Clin Monit and Comput. 2024;38(2):347-354.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
“Pulse Oximetry with Clinical Assessment to Screen for Congenital Heart Disease in Neonates in China: A Prospective Study”
Zhao et al. Lancet. 2014 Aug 30;384(9945):747-54.
“Experiences From an Implementation Model of ARI Diagnostic Device in Pneumonia Case Management Among Under-5 Children in Peripheral Healthcare Centers in India”
Kumar, H et al. Clin Med Insights Pediatr. 2021. 15:11795565211056649.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE
“Impact of Innovative Pulse Oximeter Sensor Management Strategy”
Palmer, A. Biomed Instrum Technol. 2021. 55(2):59-62.
Seamless Transition and Support
Bringing SET® into Your Facility
Return on Investment (ROI)
Studies have shown that investing in Masimo SET® has resulted in long-term savings for healthcare facilities.
Saving Lives
Saving Time
Saving the Environment
Saving Money
Download our information sheet to learn more about how healthcare facilities can save with Masimo.
Case Study – Replacement Tapes
Masimo offers the ability to “reprocess at the beside” using replacement tapes, which maximize sensor life. This allows clinicians to continue using the main components of a sensor and replace only the adhesive components when necessary.17
See how one hospital was able to experience a total cost avoidance of $7M over 12 years.17
Ongoing Support
Masimo provides:
Pulse Oximetry Sensor Application
Need a refresher training on sensor application best practices?
Visit our resource center for pulse oximetry sensor application tips and tricks with step-by-step visuals tailored to your sensor, patient population, and application site.
Masimo SET® Voices
“When we started to look for pulse oximetry technology, we found that the Masimo sensor had a lot of technology for rejecting noise and motion.”
“Masimo provided us the SET® technology that allows you to continuously monitor the patient from a central device […] we noticed a sharp reduction in false alarms…”
Share Your Masimo SET® Story
Do you have an inspirational story about how Masimo SET® transformed care at your facility or saved a patient’s life?
Resources
Materials
Latest Innovations
Videos
Studies
Contact
Set Up Your Risk-Free Trial
Contact us today for more information on how Masimo SET® can make a difference for your healthcare organization.
Comparative studies include abstracts presented at scientific meetings and peer-reviewed journals. Clinical studies on pulse oximetry and the benefits of Masimo SET® can be found at https:// professional.masimo.com/clinical-evidence.
Estimate: Masimo data on file.
https://www.newsweek.com/rankings/worlds-best-hospitals-2024/united-states.
Masimo RD SET Sensor Instructions for Use: LAB-10131D posted on https://techdocs.masimo.com/.
Hafen, BB. et al. Oxygen Saturation. 2022.
Mayo Clinic. Hypoxemia. Accessed 7/1/2024.
Cellular Respiration. Encyclopedia Britannica. 2023. Accessed: 5/16/2024.
Cleveland Clinic. Hypoxemia. Accessed: 5/16/2024.
Chan ED, et al. Respir Med. 2013;107:789-799.
Shah N et al. J Clin Anesth. 2012 Aug;24(5):385-91.
Hay W et al. J Perinatol. 2002;360–366.
Sharma V, et al. J Clin Monit and Comput. 2024 Jan;38:347-354.
Barker SJ, Wilson WC. J Clin Monit Comput. 2023;37:567-574.
Foglia EE, et al. J Pediatr. 2017 Mar;182:375-377.e2.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Pulse Oximeters. – Premarket Notification Submissions Guidance
Masimo data on file.
Palmer, A. Biomed Instrum Technol. 2021. 55(2):59-62.
Masimo OEM Partners found at https://professional.masimo.com/oem/partners/
Baquero H et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Apr;100(4):515-8.
Siefkes H, et al. Am J Perinatol. 2020; 37(2):158-165.
Uygur O et al. Pediatr Neonatol. 2019;60(1):68-73.
Schena F et al. J Pediatr. 2017;183:74-79.
Chow LC et al. Pediatrics. 2003;111(2):339-45.
Castillo A et al. Acta Paediatr. 2011 Feb;100(2):188-92.
McGrath S et al. J Patient Saf. 2021; 17(8):557-561.
McGrath S et al. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2016; 42(7): 293-302.
Harris B. et al. Ped Crit Care Med. 2016;17(4):315-20.
Zhao Q et al. Lancet. 2014 Aug 30;384(9945):747-54.
Kumar, H et al. Clin Med Insights Pediatr. 2021. 15:11795565211056649.
PLCO-007370/PLM-11172A-0624