Novametrix Medical Systems OXYPLETH 520A User manual

Copyright 2001, 2002. Novametrix Medical Systems Inc.
5 Technology Drive, Wallingford, Connecticut, U.S.A. 06492. All rights reserved.
OXYPLETH
User’s Manual
Pulse Oximeter
Model 520A
January 18, 2002
Catalog No. 5693-23-04
®

Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual iii
Declaration of Conformity with European Union Directive
The authorized representative for Novametrix Equipment is:
D.R.M. Green
European Compliance Services Limited,
Oakdene House,
Oak Road,
Watchfield
Swindon, Wilts SN 6 8TD
United Kingdom
Guarantee
Equipment manufactured or distributed by Novametrix Medical Systems Inc., is fully
guaranteed, covering materials and workmanship, for a period of one year from the date of
shipment, except for certain disposable products and products with stated guarantees other
than one year. Novametrix reserves the right to perform guarantee service(s) at its factory, at
an authorized repair station, or at the customer’s installation.
Novametrix’ obligations under this guarantee are limited to repairs, or at Novametrix’ option,
replacement of any defective parts of our equipment, except fuses, batteries, and calibration
gasses, without charge, if said defects occur during normal service.
Claims for damages during shipment must be filed promptly with the transportation company.
All correspondence concerning the equipment must specify both the model name and number,
and the serial number as it appears on the equipment.
Improper use, mishandling, tampering with, or operation of the equipment without following
specific operating instructions will void this guarantee and release Novametrix from any further
guarantee obligations.
Caution: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this device to sale, distribution, or use by or on the
order of a licensed medical practitioner.
Trademarks and Patents
Novametrix and OXYPLETH are registered trademarks, and SuperBright, Y-Sensor, Y-Strip,
NovaCARD and OxySnap are trademarks (™) of Novametrix Medical Systems Inc. Other
trademarks and registered trademarks are owned by their respective companies.
Copyright 2002 Novametrix Medical Systems Inc. This document contains information which is
proprietary and the property of Novametrix Medical Systems Inc., and may not be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, translated, transcribed or transmitted in any form, or by any
means, without prior explicit written permission from Novametrix Medical Systems Inc.
The Model 520A monitor and its sensors and accessories are covered by the following US
patents: 5,190,038 5,398,680 5,448,991 5,820,550 5,999,834 5,891,026 6,073,038
6,149,481. Other patents pending.
Service Department
For factory repair service, call toll free
1-800-243-3444
In Connecticut, call Collect [phone]
Facsimile [phone]
World Wide Web: http://www.novametrix.com
Internet: [e-mail]

iv OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
Revision History
02-May-92 Release Version.
23-Apr-93 Revision 01, based on version 2.4 software.
01-Apr-98 Revision 02, version 2.7 software and addenda added.
11-Jun-99 Revision 03, R-N676
18-Jan-02 Revision 04, R-N1000

Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual v
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Indications and Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
SpO2 Principles of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Patient Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Cautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Monitor Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
AC Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Battery Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Powering up the monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Alert Reset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Marking Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Setting the Contrast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Menu Softkeys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Alert Audio Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Pulse “Beep” Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Default Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Returning to Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Limit Alerts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Auto Alert Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting Alert Limits Manually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Limit Alerts—Latched/Unlatched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Alert Limit Settings—Retained/Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Alerts—Delayed/Instant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Alert Bar—Latched/Unlatched/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Alert Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Audio Off/Mute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Faults, Alerts & Errors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Pulse Oximetry Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Finger Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Y-Sensor™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Single Patient Use Sensors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
SpO2and Pulse Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
SpO2Display Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Pulse Rate Display Averaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Signal Bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Plethysmogram Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Waveform Autosize . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Operating Mode Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

vi OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
SpO2Timers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
IABP Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Trend Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Display Trend Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Trend Data Compression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
SpO2and Dual Trend Displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Histogram Trend Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Erase Trend Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Trend and NovaCARD™ Memory Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Trend Print . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Advanced Monitor Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Advanced Feature Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Menu System Lockout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
External Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Serial Output Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
NOVACOM1 Interface Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
NovaCARD™ Interface Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Analog Output Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Rear Panel RS232C Pinout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Printing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Selecting a Specific Printer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Create a Printout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Interpreting Printer Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Cleaning & Sterilization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Pulse Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
Menu Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57

Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 1
Section 1 Introduction
The OXYPLETH®Pulse Oximeter Monitor, Model 520A,is a lightweight, easy to use pulse oximeter,
designed to be used in a variety of clinical settings. It provides reliable measurement, display, and alerts,
for functional pulsatile oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.
Indications and Usage
The Model 520A is intended to be used for monitoring oxygen saturation and pulse rate in all critical
monitoring environments including ventilatory support and anesthesia. It is designed to monitor all
patient areas including adult, pediatric and neonatal.
Per requirements of IEC 601-1, the Model 520A is classified as class II equipment, with type BF applied
part, and an enclosure protection rating of IPX0.
SpO2Principles of Operation
The Model 520A measures oxygen saturation and pulse rate with sensors that contain red and infrared
light sources, called Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Because oxygen saturated blood absorbs different
amounts of light at each wavelength (red and infrared) as compared to unsaturated blood, the amount
of light absorbed by the blood in each pulse can be used to calculate oxygen saturation.
The light energy from red (660 nm) and infrared (940 nm) LEDs is beamed through a sample cell—a
pulsating vascular bed, the patient’s finger or toe for example. The remaining light energy not absorbed
by the sample cell reaches a light receptor, called a photodiode, on the opposing side of the sensor. The
data received at the photodiode is sent back to the monitor where it is split into its red and infrared
components, digitized, processed by a microprocessor chip, and finally displayed as a numerical value
for oxygen saturation and a plethysmogram.
The Model 520A is calibrated to display “functional” saturation. This differs from the “fractional”
saturation value displayed by most co-oximeters.
Functional saturation represents the amount of oxyhemoglobin as a percentage of the hemoglobin that
can be oxygenated. Dysfunctional hemoglobins (COHb and METHb) are not included in the
measurement of functional saturation.
Pulse Rate is calculated by measuring the time interval between the peaks of the infrared light
waveform. The inverse of this measurement is displayed as pulse rate.
The Model 520A must be used in conjunction with SuperBright™ saturation sensors. An INCOMPATIBLE
PROBE display message indicates a non-SuperBright™ Sensor is in use.
Functional Saturation = HbO2
100 - (COHb + METHb)
HbO2= Fractional Hemoglobin
COHb = Carboxyhemoglobin
METHb = Methemoglobin

Section 1 SpO2 Principles of Operation
2OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
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Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 3
Section 2 Patient Safety
SpO2input for the OXYPLETH®Pulse Oximeter , Model 520A, is electrically isolated. Patient leakage
current flowing from the instrument to ground is limited to less than 10 µA at 120 VAC, 60 Hz. Patient
isolation is greater than 10 MΩ, 2500 VAC rms at 60 Hz.
For patient and operator safety, observe the following warnings, cautions and notes.
Warnings
•Explosion Hazard: Do NOT use OXYPLETH®in the presence of flammable anesthetics. Use of this
instrument in such an environment may present an explosion hazard.
•Electrical Shock Hazard: Always turn OXYPLETH®off and remove line cord before cleaning it. Do
NOT use a damaged sensor or one with exposed electrical contacts. Refer servicing to qualified service
personnel.
• Connect the line cord only to a grounded hospital-grade outlet. OXYPLETH®should be connected to
the same electrical circuit as other equipment in use on the patient. Outlets on the same circuit can
be identified by the hospital’s engineering department.
•Patient Safety: Extreme care should be exercised with all patients, especially neonates, to assure
continued circulation distal to the sensor site after application.
•Failure of Operation: If the monitor fails to respond as described, do not use it until the situation is
corrected by qualified personnel.
•Data Validity: The Pulse Oximeter should not be used as a substitute for an ECG monitor. The
oximeter’s Pulse Rate display reflects the pulsatile flow found at the patient extremity connected to
the sensor. This rate can be affected by many factors and may occasionally be “frozen.”
•Do NOT attach an SpO2sensor distal to a blood pressure cuff. Valid data CANNOT be processed when
the cuff is inflated. Attach the sensor to the limb opposite to the site used for the blood pressure cuff.
•Do NOT apply Y-Sensor™ tapes or wraps so tightly that the circulation is restricted. Inspect site often
for adequate circulation - at least once every four hours. When applying sensors take note of the
patient’s physiological condition. For example, burn patients may exhibit more sensitivity to heat and
pressure and therefore additional consideration such as more frequent site checks may be
appropriate.
• Do not position the sensor cable in any manner that may cause entanglement or strangulation.
• The Model 520A has no protection against the ingress of water.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially harmful condition that can lead to personal injury
!

Section 2 Cautions
4OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
Cautions
• Do not operate OXYPLETH®when it is wet due to spills or condensation.
• Do not operate OXYPLETH®if it appears to have been dropped or damaged.
• Never sterilize or immerse the monitor in liquids.
• Do not sterilize or immerse sensors except as directed in this manual.
• Keep OXYPLETH®and its accessories clean.
• Tension should not be applied to the sensor cable.
• Overstretching the pulse oximeter finger sensor can damage the sensor and potentially affect pulse
oximeter readings. Do not stretch the finger sensor open beyond the limit for which it was designed.
Overstretching can be prevented: avoid opening the sensor by any means other than squeezing the
grips; Do NOT force the sensor onto large objects such as the bed rail.
• Do not store the monitor or sensors at temperatures less than 14°F (-10°C) or greater than 131°F
(55°C), 10-95% relative humidity, non-condensing.
• Do not operate the monitor or sensors at temperatures less than 50°F (10°C) or greater than 104°
F (40°C), 0-90% relative humidity, non-condensing.
• Where electromagnetic devices (i.e. electrocautery) are used, patient monitoring may be interrupted
due to electromagnetic interference. Electromagnetic fields up to 3V/m will not adversely affect
system performance.
• CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this device to sale, distribution, or use by or on the order of
a licensed medical practitioner.
Notes
•Data Validity: Inaccurate SpO2and/or Pulse Rate measurements can be caused by any of the
following:
• Incorrect application or use of a sensor
• Significant levels of dysfunctional hemoglobin such as carboxyhemoglobin or methemoglobin
• Significant levels of indocyanine green, methylene blue, or other intravascular dyes
• Exposure to excessive illumination such as surgical lamps—especially ones with a xenon light
source, or direct sunlight
• Excessive patient movement, venous pulsations, electrosurgical interference
• This product and its associated accessories which have patient contact are free of latex.
• After the life cycle of the equipment and accessories has been met, disposal should be accomplished
following national and local requirements.
•TheOXYPLETH®contains no user serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. A
technical Service Manual (Catalog No. 5693-90) is available for use by technical personnel.
CAUTION
Indicates a condition that may lead to equipment damage or malfunction.
NOTES
A point of particular interest or emphasis intended to provide more efficient or convenient operation.

Symbols Patient Safety
Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 5
Symbols
Symbol Description
Patient Isolation
Identifies patient isolation connection as type BF.
Attention
Consult manual for detailed information.
Separate collection
Ensure that spent batteries are collected separately
when disposed of. Found on the internal battery. Refer
to qualified service personnel when battery replacement
is required.
Recyclable item
Found on the internal battery. Refer to qualified service
personnel when battery replacement is required.
Indicates heavy metal content, specifically lead. Found
on the internal battery and monitor enclosure. Refer to
qualified service personnel when battery replacement is
required.
!
Pb

Section 2 Symbols
6OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
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Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 7
Section 3 Monitor Basics
AC Operation
The rear panel power input module must be
set to the proper voltage setting and the
proper fuses must be installed for safe AC
Mains (line cord) operation. The module
should indicate the proper voltage setting
(115 VAC for use in the U.S.A.) Refer to the
OXYPLETH®Service Manual if this setting
needs to be changed.
If AC ON indicator is illuminated,
OXYPLETH®is connected to AC Mains (line
cord) power, the internal battery is charging,
and the monitor uses line power if turned on.
To operate from AC Mains (line cord) power,
plug the line cord into the rear panel AC input
connector and set the rear panel POWER
switch to “|”. Plug the other end of the line
cord to a properly grounded three-wire outlet.
Battery Operation
The monitor can operate for up to three hours from its internal battery; excessive alerting reduces
battery life. The monitor is powered from its internal battery whenever the line cord is disconnected or
the rear panel POWER switch is set to the “O” (off) position. If the monitor is allowed to continue
operation while in the battery exhausted state, it will automatically shut off to avoid excessive discharge.
Note: The battery icon appears fully charged for the first minute after switching to battery power, after
that it will reflect the true battery charge.
Battery Life - Indicators and messages:
Battery icons: - fully charged
- half charge
- less than 30 minutes
LOW BAT 15 minutes of battery power remains. Reconnect the monitor to
AC Mains to recharge the battery.
BATTERY VERY LOW
PLUG IN AC POWER Displays with a continuous audible tone. Connect to AC Mains for continued operation and to recharge the battery (12-15 hours).
ground
AC Mains power switch
power input connector voltage

Section 3 Powering up the monitor
8OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
Powering up the monitor
1. To turn the monitor on or off, press POWER.
Ensure the monitor operates as stated below before applying a sensor to the patient.
• All displays and indicators illuminate briefly1
• A “beep” indicates the audio is functional
• MONITOR PERFORMING SELF TEST message is replaced by the Main Menu
2. Press YES to erase or press NO to retain stored trend information.
“ERASE STORED TRENDS?” is briefly displayed after power on. To keep the trend data from previous
monitoring episodes intact, let the menu time out or press the key below the NO menu choice. Press YES
to erase the stored trend data.
Audio
Audible alarms can be silenced two ways: temporarily or permanently.
• Two Minute Alarm Silence: Press the AUDIO key. The (two minute silence) indicator to the left
of the AUDIO illuminates and audible alarms are silenced for two minutes. To cancel the silence
condition before two minutes have elapsed, press the AUDIO key again.
• Permanent Audio Off: Press and hold the AUDIO key until the (audio off) indicator to the right
of the AUDIO key starts flashing2. No audible alarms will be generated. To cancel the audio off
condition, press the AUDIO key again.
Alert Reset
Press the ALERT RESET key to cancel an alert condition that is not currently active. Any alert messages,
flashing indicators or audible alarms will be disabled. Currently active alert/alarm conditions will be reset
and again become active when the appropriate time-out period has elapsed.
In certain non-monitoring conditions such as CONNECT SPO2 PROBE or PROBE OFF PATIENT, pressing
ALERT RESET will reset (silence) the audible alarms until monitoring is resumed and the monitor again
receives valid signals from the sensor.
Marking Events
Press the EVENT key to place an “event” marker into the monitor’s trend memory. Pressing the EVENT
key while in the Main Menu will freeze the waveform for sixty seconds; the message WAVEFORM FROZEN
appears on the display. To return to the real time display before the sixty seconds has elapsed, press
the RUN softkey. The message EVENT MARKED is displayed each time an event is marked from the Main
Menu.
NOTE: Pressing the EVENT softkey in menus other than the Main Menu will not freeze the waveform, but
the event will be recorded in trend memory.
When the Model 520A is configured for operation with a printer and the EVENT key is pressed, the
message PRINT WAVEFORM? will be displayed for 60 seconds. Press PRINT for a printout of the waveform
in the 5 seconds preceding the frozen display.
When the Model 520A is configured for operation with the NovaCARD™ memory module and the EVENT
key is pressed, the message STORE WAVEFORM? will be displayed for 60 seconds. Pressing STORE will
1. AC ON will not illuminate unless AC line power is connected and the rear panel POWER switch is set to “|”.
2. If AUDIO OFF DISABLED appears when AUDIO OFF is activated, refer to “Audio Off/Mute” on page 16.

Setting the Contrast Monitor Basics
Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 9
store the waveform to the NovaCARD™. Pressing ID will bring up the patient ID menu. The ERASE softkey
will erase the card. Pressing RUN will return to real time display.
Setting the Contrast
Press the (contrast) key to adjust the display for optimum viewing. To adjust the display colors and
brightness, Set Display Brightness on page 38.
Menu Softkeys
The Menu Center display area is located just above the five unmarked “softkeys”. Softkeys perform the
action displayed above each key. For example; above the rightmost softkey in the Main (or Base) Menu
is a MENU key. Press MENU and new menu and softkey functions are displayed. Press RUN to return to
the Main Menu.
The Main Menu
The Main (or Base) Menu is comprised of the following keys:
•ALRT - used to set alert limits, either manually or with Auto Alerts.
•TRND - brings up the trend page menus and displays.
•MENU - brings up the SYSTEM OPTIONS. Audio volumes, display brightness and SpO2averaging
times can be set here.
The following keys may also appear in the Main Menu:
•SIZE - displayed only if WAVEFORM AUTOSIZE set to OFF. Refer to “Waveform Autosize” on page 28.
•PRNT - displayed only if PRINTER INTERFACE is selected. Refer to “Selecting a Specific Printer”
on page 43.
•CARD - displayed only if NOVACARD INTERFACE is selected. Refer to NovaCARD™ Interface Mode
on page 40.
Alert Audio Volume
NOTE
RUN always displays the Main Menu. NEXT and PREV (previous) move through the menus one level at
a time. The Main Menu will reappear if no key is pressed for one minute (except when trends are
displayed, then the time-out is extended to five minutes).
To adjust the audible alert volume:
NOTE: to silence Alert audio, refer to “Audio” on page 8.
Press MENU
SYSTEM OPTIONS
appears
Press AUDIO
SET AUDIO
FEATURES appears
Press ALERT
SET ALERT
VOLUME appears
Press to
increase/decrease
value, 01-07
Press RUN to
return to the Main
Menu

Section 3 Pulse “Beep” Volume
10 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
Pulse “Beep” Volume
Default Operating Parameters
The monitor retains measurement parameters and system setup information in its memory even while
it is turned off. When the monitor is turned back on, the retained settings are restored and will be in
effect until they are changed. The monitor is shipped from the factory with operating parameters set to
these default values:
•Alerts:Latched
• Alert Bar: Unlatched
• Alert Limit Delay: On (10 seconds)
•AlertLimits:SpO
2100-85, Pulse 150-40
• Alert Limits: Retained on start-up
• Alert Volume: Max (07)
• Audio Off: Allowed
•Averaging:SpO
2- 8 seconds, Pulse Rate - 8 seconds (fixed)
• Display Brightness: High
• Display Contrast: Center of range
• Display Held Timer: Off
• Display Mode: Blue wave on white background; White text on blue background
• IABP Mode Available: No
• Keyclick Volume: Off (00)
• Menu Lockout: Off
• Plethysmogram Autosize: On
•PulseAlertLimits:On
• Pulse Volume: Off (00)
• Serial Interface: Unused
• Special Alert Delay: 60 seconds
• Bad Signal Timeout: 30 seconds
Returning to Factory Default Settings
To return the monitor to factory default settings:
1. Turn the monitor on while depressing the ALERT RESET key.
2. The message PARAMETERS RESET TO FACTORY DEFAULTS is displayed.
3. The monitor enters normal operational mode using the factory default values listed in the Specifications
chapter.
An audible “beep” occurs with each detected pulse beat.
The time between beeps indicates the pulse rate; the pitch of the beep varies with the SpO2value. The
beep pitch decreases with each one-digit drop in SpO2. If the SpO2value drops more than 35% below
the SpO2high alert limit setting, the beep remains at the lowest pitched level.
To vary the pulse beep volume:
Press MENU
SYSTEM OPTIONS
appears
Press AUDIO
SET AUDIO
FEATURES appears
Press PULSE
SET PULSE
VOLUME appears
Press to
increase/decrease
value, 00-07 (00
is off)
Press RUN to
return to the Main
Menu

Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 11
Section 4 Alerts
Overview
The Model 520A monitor provides audible and visible limit alerts for oxygen saturation, and pulse rate.
SpO2and Pulse Rate each have separate alert limits and limit alerts.
Audible and visible alerts may be generated for reasons including violated alert limits, improper sensor
placement, interference from electrosurgical units or excessive motion, ambient light interference or low
signal strength. Broken or damaged sensors, extension cables or monitors can also cause alerts to occur.
Definitions
Limit Alerts are audible and visible signals from the monitor which are generated in response to SpO2
or Pulse Rate values outside the range of the Alert Limits.
Alert Limits are the maximum and minimum allowable values for SpO2and Pulse Rate. Alert Limits are
the smaller numbers displayed to the left of the SpO2and Pulse Rate displays.
Alert Options
• Alert limits can be adjusted automatically with the Auto Alerts feature or manually from within
the menu system.
• Pulse Rate limits may be turned off.
• Limit alerts can be reset by the user, or the monitor can be set to adjust limit alerts automatically.
• Alert limit settings are retained memory and restored each time the monitor is turned on; the
monitor can be set to power up each time using default settings.
• Audible alerts are delayed 10 seconds from the occurrence of a limit alert; the delay can be
eliminated to allow instant activation.
• Audible alerts can be temporarily silenced for two minutes.
• Audible alerts can be suppressed completely using the Audio Off feature; also the Audio Off
feature itself can be disabled for use in situations where suppressing audible alerts is undesired.
•RedAlertBar:
• stops flashing automatically if the parameter that caused a limit alert returns within its limits
• can instead be set to continue flashing until the ALERT RESET key is pressed
• can be turned off altogether
Limit Alerts
If SpO2or Pulse Rate violates an alert limit setting:
• The violated alert limit display starts to flash.
• The red (bell-shaped) indicator next to the ALERT RESET key starts to flash.
• A message flashes in the Message Center (for example SpO2-LOW)

Section 4 Auto Alert Limits
12 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
If the parameter returns within its limits before 10 seconds elapse:
Assuming the 10 SECOND ALERT LIMIT DELAY is ON (the default setting):
• The indicator, the violated limit display and the alert message stop flashing
If the limit alert lasts for more than 10 seconds:
(Or the 10 SECOND ALERT LIMIT DELAY is OFF.)
• An audible alarm will sound
(Two Minute Silence and Audio Off features silence the audio. Refer to “Audio” on page 8.)
• The Alert Bar to the right of the display starts to flash
(unless Bar option in the Alert Options menu has been changed. Refer to “Alert Bar—Latched/
Unlatched/Off” on page 15.)
• The violated limit becomes latched (unless the Latched option in the Alert Options menu has been
changed to NO. Refer to “Limit Alerts—Latched/Unlatched” on page 13.)
If the parameter returns within limits after 10 seconds of alerting:
• The audible alarm will turn off
• The Alert Bar will stop flashing
(unless Bar option in the Alert Options menu has been changed. Refer to “Alert Bar—Latched/
Unlatched/Off” on page 15.)
• If the limits are latched, the indicator and violated limit display continue to flash until the
ALERT RESET key is pressed. (This allows the user to determine which limit was violated.)
• If the limits are unlatched, the indicator and violated limit display stop flashing.
Auto Alert Limits
SpO2Auto Alert Limits
The SpO2high auto alert limit is set to 5 more than the SpO2value displayed when the AUTO was pressed
(maximum setting =100). The low auto alert limit is set to 5 less than the SpO2value displayed when
AUTO was pressed (minimum setting = 50).
For example, if the SpO2=98% when AUTO is pushed, the system will set the upper alert limit to 100
(98+5=103 with max of 100) and the lower alert limit to 93 (98-5=93).
The sensor must be applied and the monitor displaying SpO2and Pulse Rate.
To set Auto Alert Limits based on recent patient data:
Press ALRT
SET ALERT LIMITS
appears
Press AUTO
The monitor sets new
limit values and AUTO
ALERT LIMITS SET
appears
NOT ENOUGH DATA
TO SET AUTO LIMITS
is displayed if AUTO is
pressed and no SpO2
and Pulse Rate values
are displayed.
The limits are not
changed.
The Main Menu
returns automatically.

Setting Alert Limits Manually Alerts
Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 13
Pulse Rate Auto Alert Limits
The pulse rate high auto alert limit is set at 25% more than, and the low auto alert limit is 25% less
than, the pulse rate value that was displayed before AUTO was selected (maximum = 249 and minimum
= 30).
For example, if the pulse rate is 72 when AUTO is pushed, the system will set the upper alert limit to 90
(72+25% = 72×1.25 = 90) and the lower alert to 54 (72-25% = 72×0.75 = 54).
Setting Alert Limits Manually
Limit Alerts—Latched/Unlatched
Alerts caused by violation of an alert limit setting are normally “Latched”. If a latched alert is active for
10 seconds, even if the parameter then returns within its limits, the violated alert limit display and the
indicator continue to flash until the ALERT RESET key is pressed.
OXYPLETH®also supports “Unlatched” alerts. The flashing of the violated alert limit and the indicator
will stop automatically when the parameter returns within its limits.
To manually adjust the SpO2and Pulse Rate alert limits
Press ALRT
SET ALERT LIMITS
appears
Press SEL to move
“ “ to the limit to be
changed.
Press ↑ ↓ to increase
or decrease the
selected limit.
Press RUN
WARNINGS
Care should be exercised to ensure clinically reasonable alert limit settings are selected. Novametrix
does not recommend the setting of limit values to such a wide span as to effectively render the alert
limit feature useless. After the limit values are properly set, periodically confirm patient status by
alternate means and do not rely solely on alerts generated when a limit is violated.
The Model 520A monitor will not allow a parameter’s high and low alert limits to be set to within 5
digits of each other. For example, using default values, if the upper Pulse Rate limit is lowered to 44,
the Pulse Rate low limit will change from 40 to 39 in order to maintain the 5 digit difference between
limits.
Pulse Rate alerts can be turned off if the High limit is raised above 249 or the Low limit is dropped
below 30. If the Pulse Rate limits are off, the limits display OFF and no Pulse Rate limit alerts are
generated.
To select Latched or Unlatched alerts:
YES provides latched alerts; NO provides unlatched alerts.

Section 4 Alert Limit Settings—Retained/Defaults
14 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual Rev. 04
Alert Limit Settings—Retained/Defaults
When OXYPLETH®is powered on, it restores the Retained alert limit settings that were in effect when
the monitor was last turned off. However, the monitor can be configured to use Default start-up values
at each power up instead.
Alerts—Delayed/Instant
When SpO2or the Pulse Rate violates an alert limit, the violated limit display and the indicator flash
immediately, but the audible alarm and Alert Bar (if enabled) are delayed for 10 seconds. This delay
helps avoid “nuisance” alarms. If the parameter returns within its limits during that 10 seconds, the alert
is cancelled.
NOTE: Eliminating the delay also “Latches” the alert as soon as it occurs. Refer to “Limit Alerts—Latched/
Unlatched” on page 13.
Press MENU
(3 sec)
SPO2SETUP
OPTIONS appears
Press NEXT until
ALERT OPTIONS
1 appears
Press LATCH
ALERTSLATCHED
appears
Press YES or NO
ALERTSOPTIONS
1 reappears
ALERTSOPTIONS
1 reappears
Press RUN
NOTE
The Latched or Unlatched alert setting remains in effect until changed, even if the monitor is turned
off and on.
To use Retained or Default alert limit settings at power up:
YES. The monitor uses the alert limit settings from the previous use.
NO. The monitor uses default alert limits: SpO2100-85, Pulse Rate 150-40
Press MENU
(3 sec)
SPO2 SETUP
OPTIONS
appears
Press NEXT
until ALERT
OPTIONS 1
appears
Press DFLT
RETAIN ALERT
LIMITS
appears
Press YES or NO
ALERTSOPTIONS
1 reappears
Press RUN to
return to the
Main Menu
To select or eliminate the delay:
YES. Audible and Alert Bar alerts for violated alert limits are delayed 10 seconds.
NO. Audible and Alert Bar alerts occur as soon as an alert limit is violated

Alert Bar—Latched/Unlatched/Off Alerts
Rev. 04 OXYPLETH®User’s Manual 15
Alert Bar—Latched/Unlatched/Off
The red Alert Bar to the right of the monitor display can be set to operate in three different modes.
• Latched: starts to flash as soon as a limit alert occurs. If the alerting parameter returns within
its limits before 10 seconds elapse, the Alert Bar turns off. If the alert condition lasts for more
than 10 seconds, the flashing Alert Bar becomes “latched” and will continue to flash, even if the
alerting parameter returns within its limits, until the ALERT RESET key is pressed.1
• Unlatched: starts flashing 10 seconds after an alert limit violation occurs and turns off as soon as
the alerting parameter returns within its limits, regardless of the duration of the alert.
• Off: the Alert Bar will not flash under any condition if it is turned off.
Alert Volume
Press MENU
(3 sec)
SPO2 SETUP
OPTIONS
appears
Press NEXT until
ALERT OPTIONS
2 appears
Press DELAY
10 SEC LIMIT
ALERT DELAY
appears
Press YES or NO
ALERTSOPTIONS
2 reappears
Press RUN to
return to the
Main Menu
NOTE
The Alert Delay setting remains in effect until changed, even if the monitor is turned off and on.
1However, if UNlatched Alerts are selected (See “Limit Alerts—Latched/Unlatched”on page 13), the Alert Bar will turn off
when the alerting parameter returns within its limits.
To turn the Alert Bar on (latched or unlatched) or off:
YES: Latched. NO: Unlatched.
Press MENU
(3 sec)
SPO2 SETUP
OPTIONS
appears
Press NEXT until
ALERT OPTIONS
2 appears
Press BAR
ALERT BAR
LATCHED
appears
Press YES, NO or
OFF
ALERTSOPTIONS
2 reappears
Press RUN to
return to the
Main Menu
NOTE
The Alert Bar setting remains in effect until changed, even if the monitor is turned off and on.
To adjust the audible alert volume:
NOTE: Alerts are still audible at the lowest setting. Use the Two Minute Silence or Audio features to
silence audible alerts. Refer to “Audio” on page 8.