Content On Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Rosella Campbell


Pulse oximetry is a technique used on patients to monitor oxygen saturation in the blood. A recording pulse oximeter is the medical gadget used for this purpose. The device monitors changes in oxygen saturation and notifies the patient or physician when it falls below certain levels. This prevents commas or death through fast medical intervention.

The principle of pectrophotometry is the one these gadgets base on in their working. This principle is in turn reliant on how deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells absorb red and infrared light. The sensor records these rates of absorption and passes the values to the main machine to be processed. The machine processes and gives new values after every of 0.5-1 seconds. High accuracy is ensured by this high rate.

The device has two diodes that emit red and infrared radiations. The diodes are positioned directly opposite to their respective detectors which are separated by 5 to 10 millimeters of tissue. This is the reason why the device is placed on an organ that has thin tissues such as the finger or earlobe. The sensors are made in form of clips or wraps. Some studies reveal that earlobes are not very effective for measuring oxygen saturation inside the body.

These devices are very useful in any setting where the amount of oxygen saturation within the body needs to be known at all times. Such settings include emergency units, intensive care, operation rooms, and in recovery and treatment wards in hospitals. Patients are advised to keep calm or minimize major movements in order to ensure accuracy of the readings. Devices with recording capability are better because they maintain a history of all values taken over a given period.

Besides determining oxygen saturation in blood cells, oximeters can be used in many other situations. First, blood gas analysis may be replaced with oximetry except in situations where PaCO2 or acid-base state is needed. When compared to other techques, oximetry is less painful, costs less, and is simpler to perform. In cases where the patient is conscious, this method has a high level of accuracy. Recorded values are used as standards and can be utilized in determining variations.

Oximeters also ensure economical use of oxygen supplied to patients in tanks hence avoiding wastage. Additional uses are in intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal care. However, use in intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal care are not fully developed and standardized but they will soon. Modern ambulances are equipped with these devices for first aid to patients. GP kits are also becoming equipped with oximeters.

In primary care, oximetry is used in diagnosis and management exacerbation of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a place. The severity of an asthma attack can also be graded through this method. When the saturation level falls below 92 percent, it indicates that the asthma attack is life-threatening. The degree of seriousness of bronchiolitis in kids can also be assessed and cared for through oximetry.

Recording oximeters cost a bit higher because of the additional capability. They are available at different prices depending on the level of complexity. They can be bought from any store that stocks medical equipment.




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