Table 1.

Peripheral arterial tonometry: advantages and disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
• Non-invasive technique is applied without risk for patients	• Autonomic nervous system and fever could influence measurements
• Compact analysis system can be used in ambulatory settings	• Environmental conditions (e.g. room temperature) could be of influence
• Highly reproducible measurements are obtained	• Pulsatile changes (and not volume changes) are measured
• Minimal operator training is required	• Sensitive probes are required (single-use)