Which diagnostic tools are recommended for confirming a diagnosis of OSA in primary care settings?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025Updated: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Offer home respiratory polygraphy to people with suspected OSAHS .

If access to home respiratory polygraphy is limited, consider home oximetry for people with suspected OSAHS, but take into account that oximetry alone may be inaccurate for differentiating between OSAHS and other causes of hypoxaemia in people with heart failure or chronic lung diseases .

Consider respiratory polygraphy or polysomnography if oximetry results are negative but the person has significant symptoms .

Consider hospital respiratory polygraphy if home respiratory polygraphy and home oximetry are impractical or additional monitoring is needed .

Consider polysomnography if respiratory polygraphy results are negative but symptoms continue .

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