The tcPO2 procedure is used to assess what physiological parameter by vasodilation?

• A. Arterial pressure
• B. Tissue oxygen tension
• C. Venous oxygen saturation
• D. Skin elasticity

Answer: (B)

The tcPO2 test measures tissue oxygen tension—the amount of oxygen available in the skin and underlying tissues. A sensor is placed on the skin and heated to around body-simulating temperatures, which causes vasodilation of the local cutaneous vessels. This increased blood flow brings more oxygen to the tissue, and the sensor detects the resulting partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) in that tissue. This parameter directly reflects tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, making it useful for assessing wound healing potential and limb viability. It’s not arterial pressure, venous oxygen saturation, or skin elasticity—the vasodilation step is what enables the sensor to measure tissue oxygen tension accurately.