Pulse Oximeter

Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a device created for the non-invasive measurement of arterial blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. The pulse oximeter, which is used for assess the oxygen status of patients in a variety of medical settings, has become a gradually more common piece of monitoring apparatus. It gives continuous, non-invasive observation of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood. Its results are efficient with each pulse wave. It is considered to be a painless, general indicator of oxygen delivery to the peripheral tissues such as the finger, nose or earlobe.

How does pulse oximeter work?

Pulse oximeter utilizes the light absorptive character of hemoglobin and the vivacious nature of blood flow in the arteries to aid in determining the oxygenation position in the body. First, there is a color difference between arterial hemoglobin drenched with oxygen, which is bright red in color, and venous hemoglobin without oxygen, which is dark in color.

Secondly, with each pounding or heartbeat there is a little increase in the volume of blood flowing all the way through the arteries. Because of the enhanced blood volume, although small, there is an associated increase in oxygen-rich hemoglobin. This symbolizes the maximum amount of oxygen-rich hemoglobin pulsating through the blood vessels.

Pulse oximeters are in widespread use because they are:

  1. Speed:- Pulse oximeter measures a patient’s arterial saturation of oxygen in seconds; measurements obtained from arterial blood gases (ABG) can take some minutes to obtain and are usually drawn by a respiratory analyst, sent to the blood gas lab, calculated and as a final point reported back to the doctor. The information from an ABG analysis gives for more information than just the oxygen level and is essential in only emergencies, but oximeter helps in ensuring the patient does not suffer the effects of hypoxia unreasonably.

  2. Accurate and Easy to Use:- Pulse oximeters are precise with most patients, particularly in crisis situations where seconds also matter. Most oximeters of one button operation and as long as the probe is placed correctly, virtually anyone can use it. The latest generation of oximeters is sleek, rugged and even easier to use. Moreover, they are now available for home usage.

  3. Non-Invasive and Reliable:- Pulse oximeter performs on a fingertip and measures through the nail-bed. If the oximeter is used properly and is calibrated regularly, it is easy to use and very reliable. Good peripheral circulation in the patient’s extremities is important to obtaining precise readings and most oximeters in the market integrate a perfusion gauge that shows the strength of the patient’s peripheral circulation. When a strong pulse is not there in the hands or else feet, readings is made with a special glue probe placed on the patient’s earlobe or even the bridge of the nose.

Some Popular Pulse Oximeter available:

  1. Equinox Pulse Oximeter (EQ-OP-11):- This is an easy-to-use, suitable device that keeps a track of heart and lungs performance. It comes with an LED screen and 4-directional rotational system for an apparent view. Equinox Pulse Oximeter is perfect to monitor any signs of sickness and is portable in size and durable in nature.

  2. Easy Care Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter:- This Oximeter is an innovative way to keep a track of heart beats and oxygen levels. It is easily handy and light in weight. It is compact meter that provides accurate results of pulse rate and oxygen levels. It is mainly suggested for people who have asthma or COPD conditions.

  3. Niscomed Fingertip Pulse Oximeter FPO-50:- The Niscomed FPO-50 pulse oximeter has been perfectly created to verify and read the pulse rate and oxygen percentage in your blood in the comfort of your own home. It is a fingertip oximeter that requires to be clipped onto your fingers and if possible your index finger for the light sensors in the oximeter to speedily and accurately sense and calculate the saturated oxygen in your blood.

Conclusion

Pulse-oximeter has proven clinical value in Emergency Departments and ICU’s. Patients with serious cardiac condition would often experience low SpO2 levels. Oximeters would help them to monitor their situation and use additional oxygen when essential. Plethgraph formed by a pulse oximeter shows the change in blood volume during a heart pulse is often a good indication of certain heart conditions. Pilots, mountain climbers and people in high altitudes also use pulse oximeters to help guard against hypoxia.