Definition - What does sleep apnea testing mean?
Sleep apnea testing refers to two kinds of tests that are carried out in order to determine the diagnosis of sleep apnea. The first kind, called nocturnal polysomnography, is an in-lab test carried out overnight at a sleep center while the patient is connected to medical equipment that monitors vital signs and movement. A second test, called the home sleep test, is a series of procedures given by a medical professional to the patient in order to record all activity during sleep at the patient's own home. In the workplace, employers may wish for employees to receive sleep apnea testing to determine if workers are performing under fatigue for excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS); which causes workers to under-perform during work hours. Sleep apnea testing can be referred to as sleep testing or a sleep study.
SureHire explains sleep apnea testing
Sleep apnea testing involves gathering data about the patient's heart, brain, and lung activity, along with all movement patterns and oxygen levels during sleep. Required equipment for the most definitive testing, polysomnography, may include electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), electrooculogram (EOG), electrocardiogram (ECG), nasal airflow sensor, and snore microphones. Electrodes are placed in the patient's face and scalp to measure brain and muscle activity. Belts are placed around the patient's chest and abdomen to record breathing patterns. An oximeter probe is put at the finger to measure the amount of oxygen in the patient's blood.
