Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT)

The test checks your breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and body position while you sleep. The results help your doctor find out if you have sleep apnea and choose the best treatment for you. 

• Internal patients (those seen in consultation at the Sleep Clinic) may have an HSAT ordered by their sleep doctor.
• External patients (those referred directly with a Form A requisition) will be contacted by phone or email to arrange a time to pick up the device. 

About your Home Sleep Apnea Test:

• When you pick up the equipment, you will be shown how to set up the equipment and answer your questions.
• The test involves wearing a small breathing sensor under your nose, one elastic belt around your chest, and a finger probe.
• Setup takes less than 15 minutes and is painless.
• After one night of recording, return the equipment to the clinic right away. 

• Government-issued photo ID.
• A small bag to carry the device home.
• Any instructions, sleep diaries, or paperwork you were asked to complete.

• Avoid alcohol, recreational drugs, and naps on the day of your test.
• Take your regular medications unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
• Wear comfortable sleepwear.
• Remove nail polish before your test — this ensures the pulse oximeter finger probe can measure accurately. 

• Return the HSAT device to the Sleep Clinic the next morning or as instructed.
• The test will first be scored by a registered polysomnographic technologist (RPSGT). Then it will be reviewed and interpreted by a sleep specialist.
• If your HSAT was not ordered by a sleep physician at UBC Hospital, a report will be sent to your referring provider (like your family doctor) who will review the findings with you and recommend treatment if needed.