The technology of pulse oximeter has been in existence for long and was first made commercially available in the 1970s, when they were bulky and clumsy weighing up to 35lbs. By then, they were very uncomfortable to use and each unit was quite expensive, retailing at about $10, 000. The situation has drastically changed, one just needs a few dollars to acquire a fingertip model of a recording pulse oximeter.
The working of these devices relies on a very technical scientific principle. Oxygenated blood absorbs red light at 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. As such, the pulse oximeters are made of two light emitting diodes (660nm and 940nm) and two light collecting sensors. The light emitted from LEDs passes through the tissues and are then collected by the sensors that then measures mount of infrared and red light in it. This allows for recording and reporting on oxygen saturation level. Most of the pulse oximeters are able to deliver data n pulse rate, the level of oxygen saturation and cardiac output.
Each device may slightly vary in its working and it is therefore advisable to consider several features when selecting the best device for the job. If possible, the brand and the prices should not be the main determinants but rather, it is better to look for a device that work best for your situation at the lowest price possible.
To start with, the model must be FDA approved. Given that pulse oximeter falls in the class II classification of medical gadgets, it must have FDA approval before it can be sold to the public. Presently, the greater part of them have FDA approval, but just for confirmation, it is advisable to run through the FDA medical Device Database, enter the model name or manufacturer name and get details regarding its approvals.
The most significant aspect however is to find out is the device is able to give very accurate and reliable readings at its specific working range. The role is to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood tissue and the results are very useful. As such, your goal is to obtain the device that gives the best possible results. You can compare it with those used in medical facilities for its accuracy level.
As much as possible, your device should be easy to use. In fact, the manual guide should be enough to help you through. If you find yourself having to find an expert to help you, then the device is possibly not the right one. In addition to this, the size also matters. Most people prefer a sizable one that is easy to carry around and safely store.
In addition the above mentioned features, there are several other features to look for in an oximeter. This includes its memory capacity, the possibility to connect with computers or phones for data processing. More so, the devices that have multi-person memory (store data for more than one person) are also considered superior.
Other issues that should also put into consideration are the battery lifespan, the case for the device, its logbook, the ease of storage and general appearance among others. If all these are put into consideration, then the value for money is likely to be realized.
The working of these devices relies on a very technical scientific principle. Oxygenated blood absorbs red light at 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. As such, the pulse oximeters are made of two light emitting diodes (660nm and 940nm) and two light collecting sensors. The light emitted from LEDs passes through the tissues and are then collected by the sensors that then measures mount of infrared and red light in it. This allows for recording and reporting on oxygen saturation level. Most of the pulse oximeters are able to deliver data n pulse rate, the level of oxygen saturation and cardiac output.
Each device may slightly vary in its working and it is therefore advisable to consider several features when selecting the best device for the job. If possible, the brand and the prices should not be the main determinants but rather, it is better to look for a device that work best for your situation at the lowest price possible.
To start with, the model must be FDA approved. Given that pulse oximeter falls in the class II classification of medical gadgets, it must have FDA approval before it can be sold to the public. Presently, the greater part of them have FDA approval, but just for confirmation, it is advisable to run through the FDA medical Device Database, enter the model name or manufacturer name and get details regarding its approvals.
The most significant aspect however is to find out is the device is able to give very accurate and reliable readings at its specific working range. The role is to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood tissue and the results are very useful. As such, your goal is to obtain the device that gives the best possible results. You can compare it with those used in medical facilities for its accuracy level.
As much as possible, your device should be easy to use. In fact, the manual guide should be enough to help you through. If you find yourself having to find an expert to help you, then the device is possibly not the right one. In addition to this, the size also matters. Most people prefer a sizable one that is easy to carry around and safely store.
In addition the above mentioned features, there are several other features to look for in an oximeter. This includes its memory capacity, the possibility to connect with computers or phones for data processing. More so, the devices that have multi-person memory (store data for more than one person) are also considered superior.
Other issues that should also put into consideration are the battery lifespan, the case for the device, its logbook, the ease of storage and general appearance among others. If all these are put into consideration, then the value for money is likely to be realized.
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