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hypoxia altitude simulation test (HAST)

Indications: - used to predict in-flight hypoxia during air travel in patient with COPD or other cardiopulmonary disorder - pO2 on room air at sea level < 70 mm Hg is an indication for HAST - since supplemental oxygen should be provided to air travelers with an SaO2 < 92% Contraindications: - patient on supplemental oxygen therapy Clinical significance: - simulates oxygen content of air at an altitude of 8000 feet (2500 meters) Procedure: - the patients breaths hypoxic gas for 20 minutes - inhalation of 15% oxygen - 85% nitrogen - determination of SaO2 (pulse oximetry) vs pO2 (ABG) - if pO2 during HAST decreases to < 50 mm Hg or SaO2 decreases to < 92%, supplmental oxygen indicated for air travel - measurement of pO2 during activity may be performed - may include supplemental oxygen titration

Related

air travel

General

clinical procedure

References

  1. Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 16, 17, 18. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 2012, 2015, 2018.
  2. Dine CJ, Kreider ME. Hypoxia altitude simulation test. Chest. 2008 Apr;133(4):1002-5. PMID: 18398121