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A pulse oximeter is an electronic device used for the non-invasive measurement of blood saturation. For this purpose, it uses the pulse oximetry method – it measures the degree of absorption of radiation of two different wavelengths by tissues. In which fields of medicine has the pulse oximeter been used? We check not only how the device works, but also how much it costs.
A pulse oximeter works by measuring the absorption by red blood cells in capillaries of radiation of two different wavelengths – red and infrared.
- What is hypoxia?
A pulse oximeter is the name of a device whose operation is based on a non-invasive method of percutaneous determination of blood oxygen saturation, i.e. pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry belongs to the field of metrology, and the device itself is one of the optoelectronic methods that use interactions between optical radiation and the tissues and body fluids of the human body.
A sensor equipped with two LEDs and photodiodes is placed at the tip of the little finger. The signal measured by a pulse oximeter consists of two components: a constant and a variable (pulsating).
The variable component describes the absorbance of pulsating arterial blood. From the measurement, the degree of hemoglobin oxygen saturation (SpO2) is calculated. The pulse oximeter can also measure your heart rate.
Pulse oximeter – types
There are two types of pulse oximeters on the market: finger and stationary. Finger pulse oximeter has a sensor put on the finger of the examined person. It is intended for use outside the hospital premises, so a trained person can take measurements at any time – on the road, at work, on vacation, etc.
Stationary pulse oximeter it is used primarily in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as various types of medical facilities. It has more functions, thanks to which you can also measure pressure, respiration and check the position of the intraarterial tube.
The finger pulse oximeter is placed on the finger. A stationary pulse oximeter is put on not only the finger, but also the earlobe. A special infant pulse oximeter has been designed so that it is easy to put on the foot or wrist.
At Medonet Market, you can also buy the Vitammy o2 connect pulse oximeter with Bluetooth, which you can connect with other mobile devices.
Due to the possibility of measuring blood oxygen saturation, a pulse oximeter is most often used in patients with:
- respiratory diseases,
- heart disease
- hypertension,
- diabetes,
- patients requiring constant care.
The pulse oximeter may also be indispensable for pregnant women and professional athletes. Therefore, these people should consider purchasing a pulse oximeter. The Duo Control Sanity Pulse Oximeter is available on Medonet Market, thanks to which it will be possible to check the pulse and blood saturation.
Pulse oximeter – application
Pulse oximeter tests are performed on people at risk of low partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, i.e. mainly with respiratory diseases, e.g. asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. It is recommended for people working and practicing sports at high altitudes.
Pulse oximeter – correct measurement results
The correct level of oxygen saturation should range from 95%. up to 99 percent It is recommended that the hypoxia alarm be set at 94%. Note that the accuracy of the measurement is reduced with elevated levels of carboxyhemoglobin, methaemoglobin, or bilirubin. The level of measured saturation can also be lowered by methylene blue.
In case of disturbing results from the pulse ximeter measurement, it may be necessary to promptly consult a general practitioner. In this case, it is worth using the online advice services also offered in the evenings and on weekends.
The test results may be distorted by vasoconstriction caused by, for example, cold, as well as the mobility of the examined person, coloring body cosmetics, tattoos on the fingers or dark varnish on the patient’s nail. Measurements can be disrupted by the patient’s exposure to strong light sources, such as phototherapy, surgical, or fluorescent lamps.
Before using the pulse oximeter at home for the first time, read the instructions for use included in the package. Most often, however, the rules for using the device are similar. Turn them on, and then place the oximeter on your finger by opening the clamp. The fingernail should point upwards. Within a few seconds, the display will show the measurement.
During self-examination, you should rest, preferably lying or sitting. Do not move your hand during pulse oximeter measurement.
Health Minister Adam Niedzielski announced that some patients infected with the coronavirus, who do not have symptoms or are slightly infected, will receive such a device. “His records will be analyzed by a special analysis center,” he said.
The devices will be given to people with positive results for the presence of coronavirus, indicated by family doctors. Oximeter data will be monitored by a dedicated team. Readings will be taken every three hours to monitor the health of patients infected with the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Pulse oximeter – complementary accessories
The following are the complementary accessories for people who use the oximeter:
- adult pulse oximeter clip sensor,
- sensor with a clip for a children’s pulse oximeter,
- neonatal sensor for pulse oximeter,
- a dedicated charger.
The price for a pulse oximeter depends on its type. However, a finger pulse oximeter should be cheaper than a stationary one. The manufacturers’ offer includes models costing less than one hundred zlotys, as well as those for which you have to pay several hundred zlotys.
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