Thursday, January 16, 2014

Information Regarding The Wrist Pulse Oximeter

By Harriett Crosby


Adults are aware of the fact that their heart rate can be monitored, and sometimes this is necessary. Most also know how to measure their pulse in the conventional way by finding it in various parts of the body. Less commonly known is the meaning of oximetry, which is the way to determine how much oxygen the blood contains. Equipment has been designed to measure oxygen levels, such as the wrist pulse oximeter.

Oximeters are equipment with various designs, and mostly they are found in large health institutions, such as hospitals. Nurses and doctors will use them in the critical care units and in the emergency department of the facility; and possibly in other areas as well. However, people also need the device outside of a hospital, and this is why they have been created in the form of a wristwatch. They will be needed when someone is in danger of their oxygen levels falling below an acceptable range.

The oximeters that can be used at home are of a convenient size, and are easy to operate. They are also quite reliable, and are able to store information for more than three days. You will just need to clear the device of stored data when the memory is full, otherwise it will not work. If you are considering buying a medical device such as this one, you can feel rest assured that it is safe to use, as it has been accepted under the requirements of the FDA.

Persons who would like to monitor their heart rates and their oxygen levels at home, while they study or while they sleep, will find these devices ideal. Persons who would like to monitor their asthmatic condition may consider using them as well. Oximeters, including the wristwatch variety, have a non-invasive probe that produces red and infrared light. They are usually shined onto a finger, toe or earlobe.

A small amount of the light is not absorbed by the skin and surrounding tissue, and highlights the hemoglobin within. The device will give a reading in percentage form, which can be between ninety-five and ninety-eight percent in a healthy person. This percentage may also drop lower at times, or for some people due to various reasons, but under ninety percent is considered problematic. Oxygen will then need to be provided so that the body cells can function, and so that the patient can breathe normally.

Oximeters give quite accurate readings, but there are certain things that cause unreliable readings. There must be a strong pulse rate in order for the device to work. Patients who have an irregular heartbeat will not be able to get an accurate reading. A patient will also struggle if they have a very weak heart rate.

The patient who requires the test should also not be moving around, as motion could cause the device to give an unreliable response. The light is disturbed by movement. The device should not be used around other very bright lights, as this could effect its own light. One reading is often not sufficient to determine an accurate level of oxygen.

Computer programs will need to be purchased along with the wrist pulse oximeter, but they are easy to find. The long battery life and the fact that they can be used even whilst wearing nail polish are additional advantages. They will also have a guarantee of quality.




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