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.
When making a purchase, one should go for a device that incorporates alarm systems. Such devices produce audible sounds to alert the patient when the concentration of oxygen falls below unacceptable levels. This feature is particularly important during night time when one is asleep. People with impaired vision or any kind of immobility may also find alarms to be important.
Functioning of oximeters is based on disparity in light absorption. They have processors and two LEDs, which directly face a photodiode. The LED and the photodiode are separated by a light part of the body like earlobes. One LED is red in color and has a wavelength of 660nm while the second one is infrared with a wavelength of 940nm. The absorption of the LED lights by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin is very different. This is the working principle of the gadget.
The LED flashes at a rate of about thirty times in a second. A device that maintains the rate of flashing constant has a high accuracy. A good device is one that has high accuracy and also has some means of notifying the user in case of an incorrect reading. Presence of interferences that affect accuracy in the readings should also be disclosed to the user. Some modern models have computer interfaces allowing the user to see readings in a better way.
Recording oximeters are able to be incorporated into bigger systems, which monitor many parameters inside the human body. This ability is essential because multiple patient parameters can be recorded simultaneously. Portability and measurement of heart beats are the other features to check for when making a purchase. Battery life and discharge time are the primary factors for consideration in portable brands.
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 advisable to read the manual that accompanies the product before using. The manuals provide important information about handling, storage, and maintenance. Malfunctioned products should be checked before they are used to avoid working with incorrect data.
When making a purchase, one should go for a device that incorporates alarm systems. Such devices produce audible sounds to alert the patient when the concentration of oxygen falls below unacceptable levels. This feature is particularly important during night time when one is asleep. People with impaired vision or any kind of immobility may also find alarms to be important.
Functioning of oximeters is based on disparity in light absorption. They have processors and two LEDs, which directly face a photodiode. The LED and the photodiode are separated by a light part of the body like earlobes. One LED is red in color and has a wavelength of 660nm while the second one is infrared with a wavelength of 940nm. The absorption of the LED lights by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin is very different. This is the working principle of the gadget.
The LED flashes at a rate of about thirty times in a second. A device that maintains the rate of flashing constant has a high accuracy. A good device is one that has high accuracy and also has some means of notifying the user in case of an incorrect reading. Presence of interferences that affect accuracy in the readings should also be disclosed to the user. Some modern models have computer interfaces allowing the user to see readings in a better way.
Recording oximeters are able to be incorporated into bigger systems, which monitor many parameters inside the human body. This ability is essential because multiple patient parameters can be recorded simultaneously. Portability and measurement of heart beats are the other features to check for when making a purchase. Battery life and discharge time are the primary factors for consideration in portable brands.
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 advisable to read the manual that accompanies the product before using. The manuals provide important information about handling, storage, and maintenance. Malfunctioned products should be checked before they are used to avoid working with incorrect data.