NHS England has introduced the use of a “40 step desaturation test” into discharge planning from the ED. You will have heard Covid -19 patients complaining of increasing SOB on exercise, and it’s important that we test this prior to discharge.

Method:

• Is this appropriate? – Could the patient walk 40 steps before they were ill?
• Patient remains in cubical – with mask on
• Attach Sats probe – ensure good trace
• Walk on spot 40 steps 
• Monitor SaO2
  • Pass – SaO2 remains >93%, or their expected (see flow chart)