The Working Of A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Marci Glover


Pulse oximetry is a method of monitoring the saturation of oxygen in a patient. The monitoring device used for this process is called a recording pulse oximeter. The sensor in the device is placed across a thin part of the body preferably the earlobe or fingertip in adults and foot or hand in infants. The device monitors the percentage of hemoglobin loaded with oxygen and displays the value on a screen.

When making a purchase, one should go for a device that incorporates alarm systems. Such devices produce audible sounds to alert the patient when the concentration of oxygen falls below unacceptable levels. This feature is particularly important during night time when one is asleep. People with impaired vision or any kind of immobility may also find alarms to be important.

The functioning of oximeters bases on disparity in how light is absorbed. A typical design is made of a processor and 2 light emitting diodes, which face a photodiode directly. When in use the LEDs and the photodiode must have a thin layer of and organ like the lower side of the ear separating them. One LED is colored red with a wave-length of 660nm whereas the second is infrared and has a wave-length of 940nm. How the red and infrared LED lights are absorbed by deoxygenated and oxygenated hemoglobin differs. This forms the main working principle in the device.

The diodes flash approximately 30 times every second. The accuracy could be gauged by the consistency of the flashing per minute. For a device to be considered good it should have high accuracy with mechanisms of letting users know if the readings displayed are wrong. Users must also be alerted of inaccurate readings due to interferences. Modern versions allow interfacing with computers hence allowing better reading of displayed data.

The oximeter can be integrated into a larger system that monitors several parameters in patients. Such capabilities are important because the user can collect a range of measurements from the system at once. Additional features such as portability and ability to measure and display the rate at which the heart beats are important too. In portable brands, the life of the battery and how long it takes to discharge are the key factors to consider.

Not all models have the same capabilities. Most recent recording oximeters have Bluetooth technology incorporate in them to allow for exchange of information with other devices. They also maintain a record of data collected over a period of time to allow for analysis of oxygen concentration patterns in patients. The records can also be printed for further analysis, referral, or record keeping.

Features to check for when buying a device include capability to maintain data from multiple people, availability of accessories, and simplicity of storage. Common accessories include cases for storage, log books, and batteries. The gadget should be simple to use and the shape should be convenient. Buyers have flexibility in picking color of a product since they come in a wide range or color shades.

It is advisable to read the manual that accompanies the product before using. The manuals provide important information about handling, storage, and maintenance. Malfunctioned products should be checked before they are used to avoid working with incorrect data.




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