Pulse oximetry is a method of monitoring the saturation of oxygen in a patient. The monitoring device used for this process is called a recording pulse oximeter. The sensor in the device is placed across a thin part of the body preferably the earlobe or fingertip in adults and foot or hand in infants. The device monitors the percentage of hemoglobin loaded with oxygen and displays the value on a screen.
Devices with an alarm system are a good option to check for. Such gadgets make audible sounds to inform patients when the level of concentration of oxygen has fallen below certain levels. This ability is particularly vital at night when sleeping. People with poor or impaired eyesight or mobility problems may also benefit from alarms.
The functioning of an oximeter is very simple and is mainly based on difference in absorption of light. The device has a processor and a pair of LEDs, which face a photodiode. The photodiode is normally separated from the LED by a translucent body part like an earlobe. One LED is red in color at 660nm wavelength while the other one is infrared at a wavelength of 940nm. At such wavelengths, absorption of light by hemoglobin that is loaded with oxygen and that which is not is very different.
The diodes flash approximately 30 times every second. The accuracy could be gauged by the consistency of the flashing per minute. For a device to be considered good it should have high accuracy with mechanisms of letting users know if the readings displayed are wrong. Users must also be alerted of inaccurate readings due to interferences. Modern versions allow interfacing with computers hence allowing better reading of displayed data.
The oximeter can be integrated into a larger system that monitors several parameters in patients. Such capabilities are important because the user can collect a range of measurements from the system at once. Additional features such as portability and ability to measure and display the rate at which the heart beats are important too. In portable brands, the life of the battery and how long it takes to discharge are the key factors to consider.
The capabilities of various models differs a lot. Current day recording oximeters incorporate Bluetooth technology to allow exchange of data with other gadgets. They also allow for analysis of patterns of oxygen concentration in patients from the records collected and maintained over time. The records may also be printed out for referral, record keeping, or further analysis.
When making a purchase, extra features to look for include ability to store data for multiple users, ease of storage, and availability of additional accessories. Additional accessories include storage cases and log books. The device should be well shaped for convenience and it must be easy to use too. There are many color shades on the market and one can choose according to their preferences.
It is a good idea to go through the producer manual before putting the device to any use. Manuals provide important specifications about storage, maintenance, and handling. So as to avoid getting false data, any kind of malfunction in the products must be checked first before using them.
Devices with an alarm system are a good option to check for. Such gadgets make audible sounds to inform patients when the level of concentration of oxygen has fallen below certain levels. This ability is particularly vital at night when sleeping. People with poor or impaired eyesight or mobility problems may also benefit from alarms.
The functioning of an oximeter is very simple and is mainly based on difference in absorption of light. The device has a processor and a pair of LEDs, which face a photodiode. The photodiode is normally separated from the LED by a translucent body part like an earlobe. One LED is red in color at 660nm wavelength while the other one is infrared at a wavelength of 940nm. At such wavelengths, absorption of light by hemoglobin that is loaded with oxygen and that which is not is very different.
The diodes flash approximately 30 times every second. The accuracy could be gauged by the consistency of the flashing per minute. For a device to be considered good it should have high accuracy with mechanisms of letting users know if the readings displayed are wrong. Users must also be alerted of inaccurate readings due to interferences. Modern versions allow interfacing with computers hence allowing better reading of displayed data.
The oximeter can be integrated into a larger system that monitors several parameters in patients. Such capabilities are important because the user can collect a range of measurements from the system at once. Additional features such as portability and ability to measure and display the rate at which the heart beats are important too. In portable brands, the life of the battery and how long it takes to discharge are the key factors to consider.
The capabilities of various models differs a lot. Current day recording oximeters incorporate Bluetooth technology to allow exchange of data with other gadgets. They also allow for analysis of patterns of oxygen concentration in patients from the records collected and maintained over time. The records may also be printed out for referral, record keeping, or further analysis.
When making a purchase, extra features to look for include ability to store data for multiple users, ease of storage, and availability of additional accessories. Additional accessories include storage cases and log books. The device should be well shaped for convenience and it must be easy to use too. There are many color shades on the market and one can choose according to their preferences.
It is a good idea to go through the producer manual before putting the device to any use. Manuals provide important specifications about storage, maintenance, and handling. So as to avoid getting false data, any kind of malfunction in the products must be checked first before using them.
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