Roth Score for Hypoxia Screening
Screens for hypoxia in dyspneic patients.
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This score has been proposed as a gross attempt to suggest hypoxia via voice/telephone, and has not been validated. Launched during COVID-19 crisis.
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It obviously does not at all substitute for pulse oximetry or an in-person evaluation of a patient, but these are very challenging times and it is difficult to assess hypoxia without exposing healthcare workers to possible COVID, expending PPE, etc.
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The score is based on only 93 patients being admitted for pulmonary reasons (pneumonia, COPD, CHF, etc).
Instruct patient:
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Take a deep breath.
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In your native language, count clearly from 1 to 30 out loud, as fast as possible without stopping, until you are either out of breath or reach 30.
Clinician: Time how many seconds it takes the patient to reach 30, or until they must take another breath.
Also, record the highest number they can reach before they have to take another breath.
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The Roth Score, if used, should only be one piece of data in a clinician's evaluation of a patient, especially if the initial screening/evaluation is via telephone or even video evaluation.
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As it is not particularly specific for hypoxia, one should not use it exclusively to decide that a patient requires in-person or emergency evaluation.