Multichannel Analysis- Apnea Program

Types of studies:

Multichannel Recording: (more than 3 channels) (MCS)

A continuous and simultaneous recording of the respiratory waveform, heart rate, oxygen saturation, and airflow, usually conducted for a minimum of 8-12 hours during sleep. May also include pH probe, endtidal CO2, or QRS complex.

MCS will document desaturations and differentiate central, mixed or obstructive apnea.

MCS are scheduled at Mott Respiratory Care (763-2420).

Complete inpatient consult form and attach a history form, "Multichannel Study- Apnea Program". Forms available on Mott clerical stations , Holden, and the Pediatric Pulmonary Laboratory.

MCS are interpreted in Pediatric Pulmonary Laboratory (936-9515) Monday – Friday (8am – 5pm). Results are called to the requesting physician indicated on history form as well as entered into the Pathnet system.

Home Cardiorespiratory Monitors:

  The home cardiorespiratory monitor is designed to detect episodes of central apnea as well as episodes of bradycardia or tachycardia as defined by preset limits within the monitor. Home cardiorespiratory monitors utilize an indirect measure of respiration, transthoracic impedance.

Basic and Enhanced Monitors: 

Basic home monitors produce audible and visual signals when preset limits of bradycardia, tachycardia and apnea delay are exceeded. Enhanced monitors (memory monitors, documenting monitors) provide storage and later retrieval of information on monitor use and alarms. These monitors are downloaded and interpreted by the Pediatric Pulmonary dept.

CAUTIONS: A HOME MONITOR SHOULD ONLY BE PRESCRIBED FOR A SPECIFIC INDICATION. It is important to define the endpoint for its use and to identify follow-up in the community. The process of successfully weaning an infant from the monitor begins when the monitor is ordered. A monitor should not be prescribed or continued when it cannot or is not being used.

Apnea Program, University of Michigan Medical Center

Program Coordinator is Nancy A. McIntosh, Ph.D., R.N.