Insights On Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


The amount of oxyhaemoglobing contained in the blood is referred to as oxygen saturation. This measure is particularly important as it indicates the level of blood oxygenation. Long time ago, the measurement was carried out by invasely examining blood samples. This approach proved rather difficult as far as real time measurements were concerned. It is this disparity that led to the design of wrist pulse oximeters.

A pulse oxymeter is simply a device that non-invasively measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation and the pulse rate. The technique enables clinicians to determine SpO2 in people that are sedated, unconscious, unaesthetic or not able to regulate their own supply of oxygen. This avoids irreversible tissue supply. They are widely used in medical clinics, hospitals, homes and operating rooms.

The device is medically used by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema among other respiratory conditions. People in very high altitudes such as mountain climbers and pilots also make use of it to aide guard against hypoxia. The oximeter technique can be helpful to athletes while training at high altitudes. The drastic depletion in oxygen level could increase the red blood cells of the athlete and help to increase their endurance.

These measuring devices are advantageous and convenient. Their small size renders them portable and mobile, coupled with the fact that there is no demand for an external power supply. Continuous monitoring is also possible as a result of their personal attachment. In addition, they come in absolutely lightweight and without long cables that prove cumbersome and interfering.

Their simplicity makes them easy to operate. To operate such simple equipment, one does not employ a lot of technical know-how and expertise. The only part that demands for some minor technical know how is in transferring the data. Taking readings from the screen is also quite simple as a result of their big display. This is completely contrary to the other Oximeters, such as finger based which have small displays and views of saturation levels.

In terms of affordability, the wrist based meters are fairly priced. Their mid-prices make them relatively cheap compared to their handheld and finger counterparts. Also, they can be applied by virtually all age groups, both adults and pediatric. Selecting a particular device depends on the size of your finger and your unit ability to withstand various sizes and types.

Record and data storage is also part of its application. This measuring gadget is fitted with storage memory capable of keeping the data. It can also be programmed to give readings at the set time limits to provide a reading of oxygen saturation.

However, they also have their own setbacks when compared with other applications. For example, the equipment lacks alarm. Their use is primarily for sleep screening, and that is why alarms are not employed. When alarm service is required, handheld and tabletop Oximeters are preferred. Though the instrument offers spot checks, it is not the most ideal when the primary need is spot checking.




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