Buying Tips For Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Deanne Shepard


Pulse oximetry is important in many situations making it necessary to carry the device everywhere. Recording pulse oximeter is an oximetry device used for measuring the level of saturation of blood oxygen and the rate of heart beat. The word recording is used because the device is able to record and maintain a list of values in memory. Memory is normally in form of a computer, which runs the software that accompanies the device.

With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.

Batteries normally come in 2 types, that is, alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Alkaline batteries come permanently fitted in the gadget and cannot be serviced. They are capable of lasting several years, but they eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When they start failing, they can cause a major degradation in performance and accuracy of the device. Some models may also not have replacements for the battery shortening their life span.

On the contrary, rechargeable batteries last longer making them cost effective. The only service they need is recharging, when power runs out. Charging is even more convenient because it can be done when the gadget is in use. Some recent oximeter models are however capable of using both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. This provides much flexibility to the user in terms of power sources. Such models are better than those that are specific in the battery type they can use.

There is life-saving capability in products that have alarm systems. Alarms are set by the user to ring upon the occurrence of certain events. For example, when heart rate or blood O2 concentration goes above or below a specific level, the device through the alarm system, notifies the user. The health staff can therefore react fast enough to such occurrences if the patient is under a comma or sedatives.

All values recorded by the gadget are presented to the user through the display interface. The display chosen should be clear and readable with minimum effort. Expensive models normally have superior displays as opposed to LED displays in cheap models. Additional data like battery level, pulse meter and waveform, menus, and perfusion index should also be displayed.

Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.

The features and quality of a product dictate its price. Quality should not be overlooked for cost when buying and oximeter. That is because poor quality can cause problems in sensitive cases. It should be known that high accuracy devices cost a lot.




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