Cyanosis
Cyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membrane and is usually caused by poor circulation or low oxygen levels in the red blood cells. It is usually a sign of an underlying condition rather than being a disease in itself and is generally easier to detect with natural lighting.
Central Cyanosis:
Due to a circulatory or ventilatory problem that leads to poor blood oxygenation in the lungs and develops when the arterial oxygen saturation drops below 85% or 75%.
Acute Cyanosis can be a result of asphyxiation or choking and is one of the definite signs that respiration is being blocked.
Peripheral Cyanosis:
Peripheral Cyanosis is the blue tint to fingers or extremities, due to inadequate or obstructed circulation and is a result of the blood reaching the extremities not being oxygen rich.
Is Cyanosis an Emergency?
Peripheral Cyanosis is usually not a medical emergency however Central Cyanosis is more likely to be a sign of something more serious that requires immediate medical attention.
Reliable Detection of Cyanosis
Australia and New Zealand use the Cyanosis Observation Index (COI) where the interior lighting standards define the parameters of the COI for hospitals and medical facilities.
To be considered – ‘Cyanosis Compliant’ a medical examination light requires the following technical specifications:
- COI of 3.3 or Less – the lower the better
- A Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) of between 3300K and 5300K
- A Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of >80
(AS/NZS 1680.2.5:2018 – Section 7 Light Source Colour)
Cyanosis Compliance and Derungs Medical Lighting
Hospital Products Australia supplies 4 different model of examination and procedure lights that are ‘Cyanosis Compliant’ covering all clinical requirements from general examination through to procedures.
Model | COI | Colour Temperature | CRI |
Visiano 10-1 | 0.85 | 4400K | >93 |
Visiano 20-2 | 3.01 | 4500K | >95 |
Halux N50-3 | 1.99 | 3300K | >93 |
1.27 | 3800K | >93 | |
2.45 | 4400K | >93 | |
Triango 100-3 | 1.55 | 3700K | >95 |
1.46 | 4300K | >95 | |
1.81 | 4700K | >95 |