What it means
Describes tests and treatments that stay outside the body, such as an automatic blood pressure cuff, pulse oximetry, ultrasound and noninvasive ventilation (CPAP or BiPAP through a mask instead of a breathing tube). Invasive procedures, such as an arterial line or surgery, carry more risk of infection and injury.
At a glance
| Also written | non-invasive |
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Related terms
pulse oximetry
A painless test that uses light through a finger, toe or earlobe to estimate how much oxygen the blood is carrying.
ultrasound
An imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to make pictures of the inside of the body.
mechanical ventilation
Breathing support from a machine, a ventilator, that pushes air into the lungs through a tube or a mask.