The Uses And Functions Of A Wrist Pulse Oximeter

By Harriett Crosby


Adults are aware of the fact that their heart rate can be monitored, and sometimes this is necessary. Most also know how to measure their pulse in the conventional way by finding it in various parts of the body. Less commonly known is the meaning of oximetry, which is the way to determine how much oxygen the blood contains. Equipment has been designed to measure oxygen levels, such as the wrist pulse oximeter.

Oximeters are equipment with various designs, and mostly they are found in large health institutions, such as hospitals. Nurses and doctors will use them in the critical care units and in the emergency department of the facility; and possibly in other areas as well. However, people also need the device outside of a hospital, and this is why they have been created in the form of a wristwatch. They will be needed when someone is in danger of their oxygen levels falling below an acceptable range.

The oximeters that can be used at home are of a convenient size, and are easy to operate. They are also quite reliable, and are able to store information for more than three days. You will just need to clear the device of stored data when the memory is full, otherwise it will not work. If you are considering buying a medical device such as this one, you can feel rest assured that it is safe to use, as it has been accepted under the requirements of the FDA.

Oximeters for home use are most often purchased by persons who need to keep a constant track of their oxygenation percentage. This could be necessary during times of rest, or because they suffer from asthma. The device works with a probe that does not penetrate the skin, and that normally fits over someone's finger. It shines red and infrared light.

Although a large amount of the light is taken in by body tissue, the bit that is not will show the hemoglobin saturation levels. The reading is shown in a percentage, and a healthy level of oxygen is indicated at between ninety-five and ninety-eight percent. It is still fine if the level of oxygen reaches as low as ninety percent, but below this level the patient will need to receive oxygen for respiratory distress relief. The body's cells are unable to function properly when oxygen levels are this low.

In some cases, oximeters cannot be used. This is when a patient has a very faint heartbeat, or when the patient's heartbeat is fairly irregular. Oximeters need to be able to detect a strong pulse for an accurate reading.

The patient who requires the test should also not be moving around, as motion could cause the device to give an unreliable response. The light is disturbed by movement. The device should not be used around other very bright lights, as this could effect its own light. One reading is often not sufficient to determine an accurate level of oxygen.

Computer programs will need to be purchased along with the wrist pulse oximeter, but they are easy to find. The long battery life and the fact that they can be used even whilst wearing nail polish are additional advantages. They will also have a guarantee of quality.




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