Information Concerning 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.
Spectrophotometry is the main principle that the working of these gadgets bases on. This principle is dependent on the mode of absorption of red and infrared radiation by deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells. These rates of absorption are recorded by the sensor and passed to the main machine for processing. The main machine gives fresh values at intervals of 0.5 or 1 seconds after processing. This high rate ensures high accuracy.
The gadget comprises of two light emitting diodes that emit infrared and red radiations. When in use, the diodes must be placed directly opposite to their respective detectors. The detectors and the diodes should then be separated by 5-10 mm of tissue. This is why an oximeter must be placed on an organ with thin tissues like an earlobe or fingertip. Sensors of the device are made into clips or wraps. Recent studies show that oxygen saturation inside the body cannot be measured effectively through earlobes.
These devices can be employed in all medical settings where it is important to monitor blood oxygen saturation in patients. Major facilities in which they are used include treatment wards, recovery wards, operation rooms, intensive care, and emergency units. Accuracy of recorded values can be achieved by the patient staying in a calm position. Devices with recording function are better because they keep a record of values for a given period for future use.
Besides gauging level of O2 concentration in blood, oximeters have many other applications. First, oximetry can be an alternative or replacement for blood gas analysis unless if acid-base state or PaCO2 is required. This technique is also simpler to perform, less painful, and costs less in comparison to several others. The level of accuracy is also higher especially if a patient is conscious. Recorded values set standards and are useful 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 recording function in recording oximeters makes them to cost a little higher than other models. Prices vary according to the degree of complexity. Stores that sell medical equipment are among the places one can buy these devices from.
Spectrophotometry is the main principle that the working of these gadgets bases on. This principle is dependent on the mode of absorption of red and infrared radiation by deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells. These rates of absorption are recorded by the sensor and passed to the main machine for processing. The main machine gives fresh values at intervals of 0.5 or 1 seconds after processing. This high rate ensures high accuracy.
The gadget comprises of two light emitting diodes that emit infrared and red radiations. When in use, the diodes must be placed directly opposite to their respective detectors. The detectors and the diodes should then be separated by 5-10 mm of tissue. This is why an oximeter must be placed on an organ with thin tissues like an earlobe or fingertip. Sensors of the device are made into clips or wraps. Recent studies show that oxygen saturation inside the body cannot be measured effectively through earlobes.
These devices can be employed in all medical settings where it is important to monitor blood oxygen saturation in patients. Major facilities in which they are used include treatment wards, recovery wards, operation rooms, intensive care, and emergency units. Accuracy of recorded values can be achieved by the patient staying in a calm position. Devices with recording function are better because they keep a record of values for a given period for future use.
Besides gauging level of O2 concentration in blood, oximeters have many other applications. First, oximetry can be an alternative or replacement for blood gas analysis unless if acid-base state or PaCO2 is required. This technique is also simpler to perform, less painful, and costs less in comparison to several others. The level of accuracy is also higher especially if a patient is conscious. Recorded values set standards and are useful 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 recording function in recording oximeters makes them to cost a little higher than other models. Prices vary according to the degree of complexity. Stores that sell medical equipment are among the places one can buy these devices from.