A new classification system that details the type of signals measured by out-of-center testing devices for obstructive sleep apnea appears in the October issue of the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine. The system categorizes out-of-center devices based on measurements of Sleep, Cardiovascular, Oximetry, Position, Effort and Respiratory (SCOPER) parameters. The review paper also describes the criteria for evaluating the devices, based on pre-test and post-test probabilities.

The proposed system would replace the original classifications, which were published by the AASM in 1994. The paper is meant to be the first step in the process of evaluating how to use out-of-center devices in an outpatient population. The next paper will address the issues of determining pretest probability, interpreting study results, developing testing algorithms and treatment decision.