An apparatus for measuring the blood oxygen level of a patient is
disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing having an
interior surface of non-reflective material substantially surrounding an
interior. A cooperating light source and detector are operatively
positioned proximate the interior surface so as to emit and receive light
projected within the interior of the housing. A material more conducive
to light transmission, reflectance, or a combination thereof--as compared
to the interior surface material--is positioned proximate the light
source and/or detector.