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The Uses And Functions Of A Wrist Pulse Oximeter

By Harriett Crosby


Adults are aware of the fact that their heart rate can be monitored, and sometimes this is necessary. Most also know how to measure their pulse in the conventional way by finding it in various parts of the body. Less commonly known is the meaning of oximetry, which is the way to determine how much oxygen the blood contains. Equipment has been designed to measure oxygen levels, such as the wrist pulse oximeter.

The reason why oximeters may be used is when someone's oxygenation is unstable. They are a device that are mostly found in various departments of hospitals. They are common in emergency rooms, and in intensive and critical care rooms. However, oximeters have also been developed that are ideal for home usage, as they fit around a patient's arm, and look just like a wristwatch.

The oximeters that can be used at home are of a convenient size, and are easy to operate. They are also quite reliable, and are able to store information for more than three days. You will just need to clear the device of stored data when the memory is full, otherwise it will not work. If you are considering buying a medical device such as this one, you can feel rest assured that it is safe to use, as it has been accepted under the requirements of the FDA.

Persons who would like to monitor their heart rates and their oxygen levels at home, while they study or while they sleep, will find these devices ideal. Persons who would like to monitor their asthmatic condition may consider using them as well. Oximeters, including the wristwatch variety, have a non-invasive probe that produces red and infrared light. They are usually shined onto a finger, toe or earlobe.

The light that is shined onto the skin is mostly absorbed by tissue, but some is not, and it is this small amount of light that is used to show the level of oxygen in the blood, or the hemoglobin levels. An individual in good health will be expected to get a reading of between 95% and 98%. It will rarely be at 100%. However, for some people it could be normal that the percentage is anything down to 90% as well. Below this percentage, the patient may be having trouble breathing.

In some cases, oximeters cannot be used. This is when a patient has a very faint heartbeat, or when the patient's heartbeat is fairly irregular. Oximeters need to be able to detect a strong pulse for an accurate reading.

Furthermore, the accuracy of the device is hindered by movement, as it affects the way the light is produced. The person being tested must remain still. The device works with light, and therefore the presence of other bright lights could affect its reliability. Since that oximeters can produce results that are inaccurate, several readings should always be taken.

Computer programs will need to be purchased along with the wrist pulse oximeter, but they are easy to find. The long battery life and the fact that they can be used even whilst wearing nail polish are additional advantages. They will also have a guarantee of quality.




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