Level 1 vs Level 3 Sleep Studies

A take home sleep study, often referred to as a Level 3 study, is not the same as an In-Lab sleep study which is the gold standard and is referred to as a Level 1 study.

Although Level 3 studies can be quite convenient , it is not as sensitive compared to a level I study.

One can think of a Level 3 as doing a Chest X-ray and a Level 1 study as doing a Cat Scan or MRI of the Chest.

A Level 1 study offers much higher resolution and is able to detect smaller abnormality.

A Level 3 study can sometimes provide a sense of false security when the test is negative.

If in doubt, one should always consider undergoing a Level 1 In-Lab study.