Common errors in clinical measurement

In modern anaesthetic practice, the use of progressively sophisticated measuring devices increases the possibility of erroneous measurements. This can potentially result in misguided decision making and patient harm. Anaesthetists must be aware of the limitations of these devices and their sources of error. This article will discuss the errors associated with equipment used in daily anaesthetic practice including capnography, electrocardiography, invasive and non-invasive blood pressure, and pulse oximetry.