The pulse oximeter is potentially the most welcome advance in medical science technology. This non-invasive, high tech measuring device, gives an accurate account of the oxygenation levels in the blood, fluctuations in blood volumes in the skin, as well as the patients heart rate. Fortunately for many, this serious piece of equipment is not restricted to hospital walls, and many online resources have provisions on purchase, and different varieties to suit specific needs.
This finger pulse oximeter is not just a screen full of incomprehensible symbols. It comes with an audible signal on the monitor that represents each pulse. The oximeter has a probe that is attached to your finger, and on certain occasions, the ear lobe. Although a simple contraption, the pulse oximeter has been known to be invaluable in many occasions. It has, for example, the ability to detect hypoxia at its initial stages, way before the patient has had a confirmed clinical diagnosis. The finger pulse oximetry process' main function is monitoring the oxygen saturation in the blood. Some models even contain a graphic display of the blood flowing through the probe, and allow physicians to spot complications very early on.
So, how does it work?
It's fairly simple. The probe emits light at different wavelengths, and the haemoglobin in the blood absorbs it. This absorption process is what determines the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. Unfortunately, the Pulse Oximeter does have its limitations. A slow pulse for example, and the resultant labored blood flow, may seriously impair the finger oximeter from giving a clear reading. Be that as it may, the computer is able to differentiate between the arterial flow, and other types of tissue and vein activity.
In other cases, the oximeter reading accuracy levels may be affected by certain variables.
Nail polish
Bright overhead lights. Especially in theater.
Vein congestion. Sometimes it is advisable to reposition the probe if the pulsation readings are uncharacteristically low.
Certain underlying conditions; hypotension, cardiac failure, a cold, and a whole list of other conditions may result in an inconclusive reading.
The finger oximeter cannot distinguish between the different types of hemoglobin. Unless the reading is directly on arterial flow, the gap between oxygenated hemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin valeu may be too difficult to spell out, and on many occasions, result in an overestimated value.
Pulse oximeters are invaluable in intensive care monitoring, especially on patients who are on ventilation equipment. They detect oxygen related problems, and aid significantly in diagnostics. They help give a clear indication of the efficacy of the mechanical oxygenation process, and also on the possibility of taking the patient off life support. The safety levels are increased significantly. With the audio indicators in place, the finger oximeter can alert the physician of sudden hypoxia, and effectively save a patient's life.
This finger pulse oximeter is not just a screen full of incomprehensible symbols. It comes with an audible signal on the monitor that represents each pulse. The oximeter has a probe that is attached to your finger, and on certain occasions, the ear lobe. Although a simple contraption, the pulse oximeter has been known to be invaluable in many occasions. It has, for example, the ability to detect hypoxia at its initial stages, way before the patient has had a confirmed clinical diagnosis. The finger pulse oximetry process' main function is monitoring the oxygen saturation in the blood. Some models even contain a graphic display of the blood flowing through the probe, and allow physicians to spot complications very early on.
So, how does it work?
It's fairly simple. The probe emits light at different wavelengths, and the haemoglobin in the blood absorbs it. This absorption process is what determines the level of oxygen saturation in the blood. Unfortunately, the Pulse Oximeter does have its limitations. A slow pulse for example, and the resultant labored blood flow, may seriously impair the finger oximeter from giving a clear reading. Be that as it may, the computer is able to differentiate between the arterial flow, and other types of tissue and vein activity.
In other cases, the oximeter reading accuracy levels may be affected by certain variables.
Nail polish
Bright overhead lights. Especially in theater.
Vein congestion. Sometimes it is advisable to reposition the probe if the pulsation readings are uncharacteristically low.
Certain underlying conditions; hypotension, cardiac failure, a cold, and a whole list of other conditions may result in an inconclusive reading.
The finger oximeter cannot distinguish between the different types of hemoglobin. Unless the reading is directly on arterial flow, the gap between oxygenated hemoglobin and carboxyhaemoglobin valeu may be too difficult to spell out, and on many occasions, result in an overestimated value.
Pulse oximeters are invaluable in intensive care monitoring, especially on patients who are on ventilation equipment. They detect oxygen related problems, and aid significantly in diagnostics. They help give a clear indication of the efficacy of the mechanical oxygenation process, and also on the possibility of taking the patient off life support. The safety levels are increased significantly. With the audio indicators in place, the finger oximeter can alert the physician of sudden hypoxia, and effectively save a patient's life.
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