Founded by John W. Severinghaus, MD, in 1958, the UCSF Hypoxia Research Laboratory is a leading center for the study of the effects of hypoxia on humans. The laboratory has focused on oxygen transport, oxygen measurement, and high-altitude physiology for more than 40 years. Studies done in San Francisco and at the University of California’s White Mountain Research Station represent some of the most important studies ever done on human adaptation to high altitude. We continue this interest in studies on control of breathing and adaptation to hypoxia in humans.
A major current activity of the laboratory is evaluation of the accuracy of pulse oximetry. We have a continuing interest in pulse oximeter development and provide accuracy testing of pulse oximeters and related devices for industry. We are a completely independent university-based testing facility with no ties to pulse oximeter manufacturers.
Inventor of modern blood gas analysis, inventor of the carbon dioxide electrode 40 years at UCSF, > 200 peer reviewed publications in areas of gas exchange, gas transport. Clinical monitoring technology, human adaptation to high altitude environments Dr. Severinghaus began studying pulse oximeter in 1985, and developed the protocols used for testing pulse oximeters in this lab, and in many other labs throughout the world. Dr. Severinghaus continues to offer his advice and support to the laboratory.
Dr. Bickler joined Dr. Severinghaus as a research fellow in 1986 and has directed the laboratory since Dr. Severinghaus’ retirement in the early 1990’s. In addition to the hypoxia laboratory for clinical studies, Dr. Bickler directs a basic science laboratory that is involved in studying how neurons adapt to oxygen deprivation. He has published over 80 peer reviewed studies. See the Bickler lab website. See the Bickler lab website.
Dr. Feiner joined Dr. Severinghaus in the lab in 1992 and has been participating in the study of pulse oximeters since then. Dr. Feiner is reponsible for data acquisition programming and data analysis.
Dr. Feiner is also Director of Liver Transplant Anesthesia.
Dr. Dubowitz joined the Hypoxia Research Lab in 2000 and has been participating in the study of pulse oximeters since then. Dr. Dubowitz has a focus on high altitude medicine and physiology.
Dr. Stratmann joined the Hypoxia Research Lab in 2004 and has been participating in the study of pulse oximeters since then. Dr. Stratmann's clinical interest is in pediatric cardiac surgery, and is currently rearching the effects of anesthetic agents on stem cell biology and how that relates to cognitive outcome after anesthesia in rats at different ages.
See the Stratmann Lab website
Dr. Rollins joined the Hypoxia Research Lab in 2006 and has been participating in the study of pulse oximeters since then. Dr. Rollins reasearch is focused on the importance of oxygen in wound healing.
Dr. Sall joined the Hypoxia Research Lab in 2005 and has been participating in the study of pulse oximeters since then. Dr. Sall’s basic science research concerns the effects of anesthetics on neural stem cells.
Paul joined the Hypoxia Research Lab in 2009 after a three year stint working in the department of Anesthesia and Perioperative care for Dr. Spencer Yost. Paul coordinates study subjects and provides assistance during the studies. For more information on scheduling, please email him at aupaul@anesthesia.ucsf.edu.
Our facility is located in world-famous San Francisco, rich with diversity, history, and attractions to suit any interest. While here, take advantage of many activities as well as some of the best restaurants in the country. We are also a short distance from the famous Napa Valley wine country.
Feiner JR, Bickler PE, Mannheimer PD. Anesth Analg. . [Epub ahead of print]
Feiner JR, Severinghaus JW, Bickler PE. Anesth Analg. 2007 Dec;105(6 Suppl):S18-23, tables of contents.
Bickler PE, Feiner JR, Severinghaus JW. Anesthesiology. 2005 Apr;102(4):715-9
O'Connor T, Dubowitz G, Bickler PE. High Alt Med Biol. 2004 Fall;5(3):341-8.
Paige M, Bickler PE. Anesth Analg. 2004 Aug;99(2):622-3. No abstract available
Podolsky A, Eldridge MW, Richardson RS, Knight DR, Johnson EC, Hopkins SR, Johnson DH, Michimata H, Grassi B, Feiner J, Kurdak SS, Bickler PE, Severinghaus JW, Wagner PD. J Appl Physiol. 1996 Aug;81(2):922-32.
Eldridge MW, Podolsky A, Richardson RS, Johnson DH, Knight DR, Johnson EC, Hopkins SR, Michimata H, Grassi B, Feiner J, Kurdak SS, Bickler PE, Wagner PD, Severinghaus JW. J Appl Physiol. 1996 Aug;81(2):911-21.
Feiner JR, Bickler PE, Severinghaus JW. Respir Physiol. 1995 Jun;100(3):213-22
Heier T, Feiner JR, Lin J, Brown R, Caldwell JE. Anesthesiology. 2001 May;94(5):754-9.
Weiskopf RB, Kramer JH, Viele M, Neumann M, Feiner JR, Watson JJ, Hopf HW, Toy P. Anesthesiology. 2000 Jun;92(6):1646-52.
