How to use a pulse oximeter?

How to use a pulse oximeter?

The pulse oximeter is a modern diagnostic medical device that is used to measure the level of oxygen in the blood. Lack of oxygen is defined as hypoxia. With this type of disease, constant monitoring of its level is required, the success of treatment depends on this.

Varieties of pulse oximeters

The pulse oximeter is divided into types:

  1. Stationary - has large dimensions and has the highest accuracy. The device is used in medical institutions and is installed on the patient during the operation. The size of a stationary pulse oximeter does not exceed an e-book or tablet. The device is equipped with a monitor and a remote sensor mounted on a finger. The sensor is connected to the remote control by wire. By accuracy, the device is second only to laboratory blood analysis.
  2. Waist - the device is portable, has a fairly high accuracy in data transfer. Used in clinics and at home to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. You can wear the device constantly, receiving data with a certain frequency, which is important in the treatment of hypoxia.
  3. Wrist - comes in the form of a wrist bracelet. In addition to determining the level of oxygen, the device shows blood pressure and heart rate. It has a small margin of error. Mounted on the wrist like a wristwatch, the sensor is mounted on the finger.
  4. Fingertip - fixed on the finger, suitable for children and adults. Some models are adapted for children's fingers. The device is fixed with a special clothespin.
  5. Pulse oximeters for babies are also provided. They are attached to the foot of the baby and can be used once or continuously. The device determines the oxygen level in the capillaries of the child. An alarm is also built into the device, which alerts physicians in case of deviation of data from the norm.

All pulse oximeters are divided into: permanent or disposable. The first - are installed on the patient for a long time, the second measures the oxygen level for 25 seconds and is removed from the patient.

The principle of operation of the device

The pulse oximeter is equipped with a microprocessor that processes the received information; display to display data; a sensor that measures oxygen in the blood; two LEDs to determine the oxygen level.

The light emitted by the LEDs passes through the tissue and is captured by a sensor placed on the opposite side. The intensity of light absorption depends on the amount of oxygen that passes through the capillaries. While passing through the fabric, the light pulsates, it is by the number of pulsations that the device determines the level of oxygen.

Basic Terms of Use

The pulse oximeter is easy to use and requires no special knowledge. To start using the device, just read the instructions. Before use, it is necessary to check the charge of the device. If the batteries run out, they are replaced, because when the charge is depleted, the pulse oximeter gives data with a large error.

The measurement of oxygen in the blood is carried out in a dark place, the sun should not fall on the device. The accuracy of the readings is affected by electromagnetic radiation. After checking the charge and fixing the device during the measurement of the oxygen level, you need to be in a calm and stationary state. Before using the device at the measurement site, they cleanse the skin of impurities. When using a fingertip pulse oximeter, there should be no varnish on the nails. Measurement is carried out within 25 seconds. After the measurement is completed, the received hemoglobin and oxygen level data will be displayed on the monitor of the device.

You can purchase a device of any kind in our Medica store at a bargain price with a quality guarantee. Delivery of the device is carried out throughout the country by convenient transport companies.