How is Sleep Apnea Diagnosed?

The sleep apnea assessment form along with a clinical evaluation will provide a guide for your risk of OSA. If sleep apnea is suspected, overnight tests are then ordered to evaluate whether you experience apneas during the night, which are associated with drop in blood oxygen levels. The sleep apnea tests are typically scored by specially trained professionals who have the expertise to understand the meaning of the sleep data gathered, and then interpreted by physicians to ascertain your correct diagnosis. Typically your Sleep Doctor will explain your results to you and help you understand if you have sleep apnea, and if so, whether it is mild, moderate or severe. They will normally recommend CPAP therapy if required.

Sleep Tests to Diagnose OSA

In Canada, Sleep Tests to diagnose OSA can be conducted in Sleep Labs, hospitals, or homes. The common types of studies available are:

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Level 1

Sleep Study (Polysomnogram) is available in a Sleep Lab or Hospital and consists of supervised overnight monitoring of breathing, physical movements, brain wave activity and many other parameters.

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Level 2

Sleep Study is conducted in your home. The device records PAT (Peripheral Arterial Tone) Oximetry Actigraphy, Heart Rate, Body Position, Snoring your Respiratory Disturbance, Apnea Hypopnea and other parameters during the night.

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Level 3

Level 3 Sleep Study is conducted in the comfort of your home. The sleep diagnostic device records your oxygen levels, heart rate, airflow, snoring, sleep stages, leg movements, and other vital parameters during the night.

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Level 4

In Level 4 Sleep Study, pulse oximetry is used to check any condition that affects blood oxygen levels, such as heart attack, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), anemia, lung cancer, and asthma.

How Diagnostic Equipment Works?

Watch these informational videos to understand how diagnostic equipment works:

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