Content On Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Rosella Campbell


Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive technique of monitoring the level of saturation of oxygen gas in the blood of a patient. This monitoring is done using a recording pulse oximeter. The device monitors the way oxygen saturation changes in the body and alerts the doctor or the patient when it falls under dangerously low levels. This allows for fast intervention hence preventing possible loss of life or commas.

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 find use in any medical setting where blood oxygen saturation needs to be monitored at all times. Examples of such settings are operation rooms, recovery and treatment wards, emergency units, and intensive care. Accuracy of the readings is ensured by the patient staying calm and avoiding big moves. Devices that are able to record values are better because a history of values recorded within a given period can be maintained.

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.

Using an oximeter also ensures that oxygen supplied in tanks to patients is used economically without wastage. Other uses are in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring. However these two applications are not yet standardized but they may in the near future. Besides being used in medical buildings, these devices are also used in ambulances as a form of first aid to patients. They are also becoming a common component of GP kit.

In primary care, oximetry finds use in diagnosing and managing exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a location. It also helps in grading the level of seriousness of an asthma attack. An asthma attack is considered life-threatening is the level of saturation falls at or below 92 percent. Severity of bronchiolitis in children is also assessed and medically cared for through this method.

The capability of recording oximeters to record readings raises their prices above those of other models. Costs are dictated by the number of additional functionalities in the gadget. Purchases may be made from shops that sell medical apparatus.




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