By A pulse oximeter is designed to measure the oxygen saturation levels of the blood and the heart rate. A pulse oximeter is used to determine whether or not a person’s blood oxygen levels and heart rate are in a healthy range. It is a useful item for those who have medical conditions, which can affect their blood oxygen levels, or heart rate. People who have health issues can really benefit from having it in their home, which they can use at their own convenience.
If you or one of your family members have asthma, a pulse oximeter can help to keep track of your or your family member’s oxygen saturation level, which can, in some cases, decrease the medical condition. This device is also ideal for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema and many other health problems that affect the respiratory system. Pulse oximeters are not only useful for those with health issues, as those interested in health and fitness can also benefit from owning a pulse oximeter.
It is placed on the body in an area where the skin is thin, and from there it can take a reading of the bloods oxygen saturation level, and you can also view other important statistics like your heart rate. Where the pulse oximeter is placed on the body depends on what type you have purchased. The most common type is the one which clips onto the fingertip. Another type is the wrist pulse oximeter, which, as the name suggests, is strapped onto the wrist in order to take a reading. Pulse oximeters can also be placed on the earlobe.
Once it is placed on the body, it uses an infrared light to detect the oxygen saturation level of a person’s hemoglobin. Once the pulse oximeter has calculated a person’s blood oxygen levels, data will appear on the screen of the device. This data can then be read and cross-referenced to make sure that these levels are healthy for that patient. Although a certain oxygen saturation level is considered healthy and normal for the majority of people, a lower oxygen saturation level may occur in those with health issues. From the reading, you can decide what action, if any, you need to take.
I hope you have a clear idea of what purpose a pulse oximeter serves and now you can decide if you should have it. Here’s a related site for more information about these devices.
There are many varieties of pulse oximeters available within the medical market, the two most popular for home use or for use outside of a medical establishment are the wrist and finger varieties. Here you will discover the advantages of both the wrist and finger variety of these devices so that you are in a better position to make an informed decision as to which one are right for you.
Wrist Pulse Oximeter
There are a number of benefits of using a wrist pulse oximeter, and these include but are not limited to the following;
Portability
A wrist oximeter is very compact, light and easily attaches to the wrist whilst the sensor attaches to the finger of the user. Unlike the table top or hand held varieties of the pulse oximeter there is no difficult to manage, obstructive cable to contend with.
Recording of Data
The vast majority of wrist oximeters have a good memory capability and are able to record a wealth of heart of oxygen level data. A great factor with wrist oximeters is that the majority, if not all of them come with software which can be easily installed on your home computer, from here you will be able to download the information from your wrist oximeter. You will then be able to see detailed reports on the findings of the machine.
Continuous Monitoring
Due to their added memory capacity, wrist pulse oximeters can be used for long periods of time if the situation required it. These devices will have a very long battery life and the sensors will not cause the finger where the sensor is placed to feel any discomfort or annoying sensation if used for long periods of time.
Finger Pulse Oximeter
The main benefits of a finger pulse oximeter are similar to those as a wrist version of the device, however, you may find a number of things which you think are a little more appealing of this one.
Portability
Finger pulse oximeters weigh only a minimal amount, in most cases only a matter of ounces. These are also small enough to fit into a bag or even a trouser pocket.
Compact and Accuracy
This device will show you the oxygen saturation level of your blood (SpO2 level) as well as your heart rate, usually displayed as BPM. This is the exact same information which a table top machine, or ones used in big fancy hospitals. Rest assured the accuracy is exactly the same and the main benefit being the price. You may not be able to put your oximeter in your pocket because you will still have loads of money in there!
Fast Results
The results given by a finger pulse oximeter are usually displayed within a matter of seconds. Fast results make this device very easy and convenient to use.
