Background and Identification

The Ohmeda Biox 3700/3700e models are pulse oximeters made by GE’s Datex-Ohmeda division. GE Healthcare acquired Instrumentarium’s Datex-Ohmeda division in 2003. The division produces anesthesia, respiratory, and monitoring equipment. The Datex Ohmeda brand is still branded on select GE equipment. Pulse oximeters are non-invasive devices used to monitor a patient’s oxygen saturation.

The Biox 3700/3700e models include ear, finger, and flex probes that can each connect from the patient to the monitor. These probes provide continuous oxygen saturation and pulse rate readings. This model does not produce any visual or audible alarms for low pulse rates or saturated oxygen levels. It is powered by four AA batteries. Two liquid-crystal displays show status and patient information. A digital LCD presents the patient’s saturated oxygen level and pulse rate. A graphic LCD shows the plethysmographic waveform trend data in addition to trend and status data.

A 1/8-inch mini phone jack and a 25-pin “D” socket are located on the rear panel of the pulse oximeters. These act as analog output and digital output connectors, respectively.

The Biox 3700/3700e pulse oximeter models are mainly black or grey boxes with green-tinged LCD screens. The name “Ohmeda Biox 3700 Pulse Oximeter” is printed in white font in the upper left-hand corner of the device’s front face. Several buttons are also located on the device’s front face.

Technical Specifications

General:

  • Total operational time: approximately 17 to 20 hours at room temperature using alkaline batteries
  • Microprocessor-controlled device ‘
  • Automatic self-test at power on
  • Automatic/continuous system diagnostics

Sp02:

  • Calibration: functional
  • Range: 0 to 100%
  • Accuracy (+- 1 standard deviation):
    • 80 to 100% +- 2%
    • 60 to 79% +- 3%
  • Below 60% unspecified
  • First reading (full accuracy):
    • < 12 seconds from power on
    • < 10 seconds while oximeter is on

Interfering substances: Carboxyhemoglobin may erroneously increase readings in all pulse oximeters. The level of increase is approximately equal to the amount of carboxyhemoglobin present. Cigarette smokers and victims of smoke inhalation often have increased levels of carboxyhemoglobin. Dyes that change usual arterial pigmentation, or substances containing dyes, may also cause erroneous readings.

Sensor emitter wavelength ranges:

  • Red LED peak wavelength range: 650 to 665 nm
  • Infrared (IR) LED peak wavelength range: 930 to 950 nm
  • Average power: < 1 mW

Pulse rate:

  • Range: 40 to 255 beats per minute (bpm)
  • Accuracy, assuming a constant pulse rate (+- 1 standard deviation):
    • 40 to 100: +- 2 bpm
    • 100 to 255: +- 2%
  • First reading (accuracy reduced + 5 bpm for < 17 seconds, then full accuracy):
    • < 12 seconds from power on
    • < 10 seconds when oximeter is on

Alarms: No alarms (audible or visual) for any situation, including low SpO2 and high/low pulse rate

Displays: SpO2 and pulse rate liquid crystal display (LCD)

Power: Four 1.5V AA batteries (alkaline, rechargeable alkaline, NiCad, carbon, lithium, etc.)

Additional Information

Ohmeda Biox 3700/3700e Product Page

Ohmeda Biox 3700/3700e Service and User Manual

Ohmeda Biox 3700/3700e Replacement Batteries