Jumat, 23 Mei 2014

Facts About Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Oxygen saturation (SpO2), which is the measure of oxyhaemoglobing in blood, is a very important measurement as it shows the extent of blood oxygenation. The measurement was undertaken traditionally by invasely taking blood samples. The method was rather in-ideal and unable to provide clinicians real-time measurements. The need for a noninvasive approach to measuring oxygen saturation resulted in the development 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 equipment is medically employed by patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and other related respiratory conditions. In addition, it is used by individuals in quite high altitudes including pilots and mountain climbers in guarding them against hypoxia. Wrist Oximeters are also handy gadgets, especially for athletes during their training in high altitudes. The decline in oxygen level has the ability of increasing the amount of red blood cells in the arteries of the athlete and aids in increasing their endurance.

The benefits accruing from this crucial equipment are many and diverse. To begin with, they are quite mobile and portable, with no need for an external source of energy. They are appended to the wrist, which makes them convenient and portable for users requiring continuous monitoring. Also the measuring tools come in lightweight without cables which could otherwise be subject to interruptions by being tangled or caught.

The gadgets are not only simple, but also easy to operate. Operating them does not entail any skill or technical know how. However, the practice of data transfer involves minor technical know-how. These instruments are also simple to read. Their display is robust that makes viewing oxygen saturation easier as opposed to the relatively compact finger pulse meter. All units incorporate a signal quality indicator along with them on the display.

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.

The equipment also offers data storage. They are capable of keeping data and being programmed to provide readings within set time frames to facilitate for the reading of saturation levels. They record extensive oxygen and heart rate data and require software to enable them to download and make reports on computers installed with windows.

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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