Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Publication Date: March 1, 2017
Last Updated: March 14, 2022

Recommendations

We recommend that clinical tools, questionnaires and prediction algorithms not be used to diagnose OSA in adults, in the absence of polysomnography or home sleep apnea testing. (Strong)
327998
We recommend that polysomnography, or home sleep apnea testing with a technically adequate device, be used for the diagnosis of OSA in uncomplicated adult patients presenting with signs and symptoms that indicate an increased risk of moderate to severe OSA. (Strong)
327998
We recommend that if a single home sleep apnea test is negative, inconclusive, or technically inadequate, polysomnography be performed for the diagnosis of OSA. (Strong)
327998
We recommend that polysomnography, rather than home sleep apnea testing, be used for the diagnosis of OSA in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease, potential respiratory muscle weakness due to neuromuscular condition, awake hypoventilation or suspicion of sleep related hypoventilation, chronic opioid medication use, history of stroke or severe insomnia. (Strong)
327998
We suggest that, if clinically appropriate, a split-night diagnostic protocol, rather than a full-night diagnostic protocol for polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of OSA. (Weak)
327998
We suggest that when the initial polysomnogram is negative and clinical suspicion for OSA remains, a second polysomnogram be considered for the diagnosis of OSA. (Weak)
327998

Recommendation Grading

Overview

Title

Diagnostic Testing for Adult Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Authoring Organization

American Academy of Sleep Medicine

Publication Month/Year

March 1, 2017

Last Updated Month/Year

January 17, 2024

Supplemental Implementation Tools

Document Type

Guideline

External Publication Status

Published

Country of Publication

US

Document Objectives

This guideline establishes clinical practice recommendations for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults and is intended for use in conjunction with other American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) guidelines on the evaluation and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing in adults.

Target Patient Population

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Inclusion Criteria

Female, Male, Adolescent, Adult, Older adult

Health Care Settings

Ambulatory, Outpatient

Intended Users

Nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, physician assistant

Scope

Assessment and screening, Diagnosis, Management

Diseases/Conditions (MeSH)

D020181 - Sleep Apnea, Obstructive, D003933 - Diagnosis

Keywords

obstructive sleep apnea, diagnosis, sleep disorders

Supplemental Methodology Resources

Data Supplement

Methodology

Number of Source Documents
131
Literature Search Start Date
January 1, 2005
Literature Search End Date
June 29, 2016