A fingertip pulse oximeter is a device that makes it possible to measure the blood oxygen level quickly without drawing out a blood sample. This non invasive, portable and easy to use equipment allows doctors and patients to continuously or frequently monitor the blood oxygen level. They also display the person’s pulse rate.
The function of the respiratory system is to provide oxygen and remove the carbon dioxide produced in the body. The heart pumps the blood through the lungs where this exchange of gasses takes place. When the system is not functioning correctly there is a shortage of oxygen or accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood. A blood test can reveal such problems.
These devices find applications in hospitals because it can be attached to monitors which allow hospital staff to monitor a patient’s blood oxygen level. It is also used by patients of chronic respiratory conditions like COPD which requires the monitoring of blood oxygen levels.
Principle:
If we shine a flashlight through our palm we can see that our body is not entirely opaque, but translucent. Some light is absorbed and some passes through. When light is passed through a very thin and translucent area of our body like the finger tips or ear lobe, a significant amount of light comes through and can be detected on the other side. The amount of light with particular wavelengths that the blood absorbs varies a great deal depending upon the oxygen content in the blood. This property is used by the fingertip pulse oximeter to determine the blood oxygen level.
The fingertip pulse oximeter has two LEDs that transmit light at two wavelengths one red colored light and another in the infrared range through the finger. A photodiode at the other side of the finger detects the amount of light that passes through the finger and arrives at the other side. This amount of light received at the other side goes up and down with the pulse as the heart pumps blood through the arteries. The difference during peak and off peak cycles is the difference that is caused by the oxygen levels in the blood and this is used by the device to measure the blood oxygen level.
The device will not work if the pulse is not there, and it is capable of providing both oxygen saturation level reading as well as the pulse rate of the individual. Certain shades of dark nail polish can affect the readings. Oxygen saturation level is the ratio of the oxygen the blood is carrying to its full capacity expressed as a percentage. Normal oxygen saturation levels depend upon the elevation of the place. At sea level it is should be between 96% and 98%.
Uses:
1. In hospitals it is used to monitor the blood oxygen saturation levels of post surgery patients, those suffering from critical illness and patients suffering from respiratory impairment. This allows medical staff to decide the need and effectiveness of supplementary oxygen.
2. It is useful for airline staff who are transporting critical patients to determine the need for supplemental oxygen.
3. Patients of COPD, CHF or other respiratory conditions can use it to monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels at home or during various activities. This allows them to monitor their health as well as gives data for doctors to evaluate their condition and progress.
Limitations:
1. As mentioned before certain shades of nail polish can affect readings.
2. It cannot be used alone in persons suspected of carbon monoxide poisoning as it cannot distinguish between oxygen and carbon monoxide in th
A fingertip pulse oximeter is a useful device for people suffering from conditions where it becomes necessary to frequently test or monitor a person’s blood oxygen saturation levels. There are several fingertip pulse oximeter reviews on the internet which give an idea about what is available in the market. A good model like the Nonin Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
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