Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Insights On Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Traditionally, oxygen saturation was measured invasely by drawing samples of blood. Oxygen saturation is simply the measure of the level of oxyhaemoglobing in the blood. The measure is especially important as it alerts on the level of blood oxygenation. The traditional means of measurement was inefficient as it was unable to equip clinicians with real time measurements. This ineffectiveness prompted the innovation of wrist pulse oximeters.

A pulse oxymeter is simply a device that non-invasively measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation and the pulse rate. The technique enables clinicians to determine SpO2 in people that are sedated, unconscious, unaesthetic or not able to regulate their own supply of oxygen. This avoids irreversible tissue supply. They are widely used in medical clinics, hospitals, homes and operating rooms.

The device is medically used by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema among other respiratory conditions. People in very high altitudes such as mountain climbers and pilots also make use of it to aide guard against hypoxia. The oximeter technique can be helpful to athletes while training at high altitudes. The drastic depletion in oxygen level could increase the red blood cells of the athlete and help to increase their endurance.

These measuring devices are advantageous and convenient. Their small size renders them portable and mobile, coupled with the fact that there is no demand for an external power supply. Continuous monitoring is also possible as a result of their personal attachment. In addition, they come in absolutely lightweight and without long cables that prove cumbersome and interfering.

Their simplicity makes them easy to operate. To operate such simple equipment, one does not employ a lot of technical know-how and expertise. The only part that demands for some minor technical know how is in transferring the data. Taking readings from the screen is also quite simple as a result of their big display. This is completely contrary to the other Oximeters, such as finger based which have small displays and views of saturation levels.

The gadgets are readily available and within the reach of many people. When compared with handheld and finger pulse Oximeters, they have favorable prices. Their services are appreciated widely and from all age groups, ranging from pediatric to adults. Multiple of them fit pediatric and adult population, according to the size of the finger and unit ability of the individual to use different sizes and types.

The equipment also offers data storage. They are capable of keeping data and being programmed to provide readings within set time frames to facilitate for the reading of saturation levels. They record extensive oxygen and heart rate data and require software to enable them to download and make reports on computers installed with windows.

However, they also have their own setbacks when compared with other applications. For example, the equipment lacks alarm. Their use is primarily for sleep screening, and that is why alarms are not employed. When alarm service is required, handheld and tabletop Oximeters are preferred. Though the instrument offers spot checks, it is not the most ideal when the primary need is spot checking.




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