The predictive accuracy of home oximetry in patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea.

To evaluate the predictive accuracy of home oximetry, we have performed a questionnaire, physical examination and home oximetry on 96 patients with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) within 2 weeks of laboratory polysomnography. We have developed a predictive equation that includes questionnaire, anthropometric and home oximetry data to diagnose OSA. We could confidently diagnose OSA in 20% of patients and exclude OSA in 5% of patients based on this prediction model and the population distribution.