New sensor may replace needles for blood monitoring during spine surgery

This study looked at 53 scoliosis surgery patients to see if a non-invasive finger sensor (Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter) could accurately measure hemoglobin levels compared to standard blood draws. Researchers recorded hemoglobin readings from the sensor and from lab tests every hour during surgery. The goal was to see if the sensor could reliably track blood loss without needing frequent blood samples.