Pulse oximetry is the method by which the level of saturation of oxygen gas in the blood is monitored. The device used to do the monitoring process is referred to as a recording pulse oximeter. The sensor must be pinned across a thin organ. In adults earlobes or fingertips are the best while in infants feet or hands can do. The percentage of blood hemoglobin loaded with oxygen is monitored and displayed on the 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.
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 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 may be incorporated into larger systems, which have the ability to monitor several parameters in the body. Such abilities are essential because users can record a wide range of data from the system simultaneously. When shopping for a product, portability and display of rate of heart beat are important additional features to look for. Battery life and length of time taken for the battery to discharge are the key factors to consider in portable brands.
The abilities of various brands differs a lot. Bluetooth technology is incorporated in modern recording oximeters to facilitate the exchange of data among gadgets. They also permit for analysis of oxygen concentration patterns in patients for decision making. The analysis is possible from data records maintained over time. It is also possible to print records for record keeping, further analysis, or referral.
When purchasing, extra features to check for include capability to keep data for more than one user, availability of added accessories, and ease of storage. Added accessories include log books and cases for storage. The device must be easy to use with a good shape for convenience. A buyer has flexibility in choosing color of the product because there are many options.
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.
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 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 may be incorporated into larger systems, which have the ability to monitor several parameters in the body. Such abilities are essential because users can record a wide range of data from the system simultaneously. When shopping for a product, portability and display of rate of heart beat are important additional features to look for. Battery life and length of time taken for the battery to discharge are the key factors to consider in portable brands.
The abilities of various brands differs a lot. Bluetooth technology is incorporated in modern recording oximeters to facilitate the exchange of data among gadgets. They also permit for analysis of oxygen concentration patterns in patients for decision making. The analysis is possible from data records maintained over time. It is also possible to print records for record keeping, further analysis, or referral.
When purchasing, extra features to check for include capability to keep data for more than one user, availability of added accessories, and ease of storage. Added accessories include log books and cases for storage. The device must be easy to use with a good shape for convenience. A buyer has flexibility in choosing color of the product because there are many options.
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.
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