Pulse Oximeters

A pulse oximeter is a device that allows you to measure the oxygen saturation in your blood - and as such has become a great aid to those who are prescribed with supplemental oxygen. Oximeter pulse readings are shown together with the oxygenation readings. These devices indirectly measure the oxygen and are non-invasive ways of determining the oxygen saturation.

Pulse Oximeters:

Pulse oximeters are intended for personal use, providing the user with a figure that represents the amount of oxygen saturation in the blood. An oximeter pulse unit is a portable unit, and it provides an easy and simple way of monitoring both the pulse rate and the oxygen - making it an excellent system for patients on oxygen therapy that are out and about with an active life style. A finger oximeter is a practical, non-intrusive unit, easily found and used by many patients and clinics.

 It measures both the pulse rate and the amount of oxygen carried by the blood.

How do Pulse Oximeters Work?

A finger (there are toe and ear pulse oximeters as well) is placed in a type of clamp provided and by means of infrared and red light that is reflected of the hemoglobin (red blood cells). A digital figure is displayed that represents an average of the amount of oxygen in the blood.

This is possible as the red blood cells, depending on the amount of oxygen, will reflect different amounts of light. As the oximeter reads the light variations, it then calculates the amount of oxygen saturation.

The amount of light being absorbed will depend on how much oxygen is in the blood - more oxygen absorbs more infrared light, while less will absorb more red light. This is the basis of the calculation that provides the percentage being shown on the screen. 

What Do The Figures On The Oximeter Screen Represent?

There are two sets of figures:

Under normal circumstances a healthy person will have an oxygen saturation reading of 90% and above. Figures below this reflect low oxygen blood saturation and those below 80% are a cause for concern, whatever the reason. Patients who suffer from COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) will tend to have lower saturation and therefore their figures will be below 90%.

It is important to note that these figures are taken as an average as there is a slight delay in the readings, and so a quick check may be presenting inexact figures. The reading can be affected by different things - nail polish, scars or improper placement of the finger, as well a slow circulation and even cold extremities, as these will deflect the light that is being beamed.

A low reading will indicate that there is not enough oxygen intake or being absorbed.

Benefits Of Portable Pulse Oximeters

These reading provided by the oximeters are indicative of the amount of oxygen running through your blood stream, and so these devices main benefit is that they provide a warning signal, allowing you to take corrective action.

It is used as a measuring device that in the case of patients on oxygen treatment, permits them to see for themselves how well the therapy is working, to evaluate shortness of breath.

Being non-invasive, easy to use and with quick results, they are very useful not only for patients with COPD or breathing problems but are also used for example, for pilots operating in non-pressurized cabins.

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