The Working Of A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Marci Glover


Pulse oximetry is the method by which the level of saturation of oxygen gas in the blood is monitored. The device used to do the monitoring process is referred to as a recording pulse oximeter. The sensor must be pinned across a thin organ. In adults earlobes or fingertips are the best while in infants feet or hands can do. The percentage of blood hemoglobin loaded with oxygen is monitored and displayed on the screen.

Good gadgets have in-built alarms. The alarms alert users when the level of oxygen in blood falls below a specific level by generating audible sound. This feature is very vital particularly at night when one is sleeping. Individuals with impaired or poor eyesight or problems with mobility also benefit from alarm systems.

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 LEDs flash about thirty times in every second. High accuracy may be measured by the steadiness of the flashing. Good devices have high accuracy and have mechanisms for notifying users of incorrect readings. Users should also be notified of inaccuracies in readings because of interferences. Modern models come with computer interfaces that allow users to see recorded values better.

Recording oximeters are able to be incorporated into bigger systems, which monitor many parameters inside the human body. This ability is essential because multiple patient parameters can be recorded simultaneously. Portability and measurement of heart beats are the other features to check for when making a purchase. Battery life and discharge time are the primary factors for consideration in portable brands.

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.

When purchasing, extra features to check for include capability to keep data for more than one user, availability of added accessories, and ease of storage. Added accessories include log books and cases for storage. The device must be easy to use with a good shape for convenience. A buyer has flexibility in choosing color of the product because there are many options.

The manual that comes with the product should be read before the device is put to use. Manuals contain vital specifications concerning maintenance, handling, and storage. To avoid receiving false data, all malfunctions in the gadget must be rectified before use in future.




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