American Academy of Sleep Medicine Position Paper for the Use of a Home Sleep Apnea Test for the Diagnosis of OSA in Children.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this position paper is to establish the American Academy of Sleep Medicine's (AASM) position on the use of a home sleep apnea test (HSAT) for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children (birth to 18 years of age).

METHODS: The AASM commissioned a task force of 8 experts in sleep medicine to review the available literature on the use of an HSAT to diagnose OSA in children. The task force developed the position statement based on a thorough review of these studies and their clinical expertise. The AASM Board of Directors approved the final position statement.

POSITION STATEMENT: Use of a home sleep apnea test is not recommended for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in children. The ultimate judgment regarding propriety of any specific care must be made by the clinician, in light of the individual circumstances presented by the patient, available diagnostic tools, accessible treatment options, and resources.