Pulse oximeter technology is very new to the world of home patient monitoring. Many individuals typically associate an oximeter as something that has been reserved for the hospital or clinical setting. If you have ever been to a doctors office you will have seen an oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). It is widely used in all hospitals, clinics and all health care facilities. But new technology now ensures that the terrific vital sign monitoring of oximeter technology can be used in the home setting. There are many individuals that have varied health issues. Many health conditions or health issues require vital sign monitoring including pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation as well as perfusion index. Previously, individuals in need of monitoring of these conditions especially the close monitoring of pulse rate and SpO2 needed to constantly go to their doctors or hospital. However, now the new pulse ox technology allows individuals t go wherever they like to monitor their health.
How does a pulse oximeter work? The process of how a pulse oximeter works is simple yet complicated at the same time. Essentially, the device utilizes a infrared technology which beams an infrared light through the patients finger. The infrared light is able to measure the pulsation in the blood as well as the percentage of oxygen in the hemoglobin. As blood volume increases and decreases in the tissues of the human body as the heart beats, the device is able to detect the pulsating nature of blood flow to produce the pulse rate number as well as the SpO2 levels. The devices come in many different varieties including adult, pediatric as well as neonatal varieties. The pediatric models are manufactured in such a way to fit the small fingers of a child. The tighter the fit of the device the more accurate the readings that are produced. If an adult device is used on the child then the readings will not be accurate as the fit will not be tight and thus there will be irregular or erratic oximeter readings. In further, neonatal devices are further made smaller to fit the especially small and compact fingers of neonates and infants. Infants are a particularly complex subject to measure their vital signs. Because of their extremely small anatomy it is very important to utilize a neonatal oximeter that is specially made for infants. This will ensure that the readings are accurate and consistent without any erratic or inaccurate readings.
The next question is where you can find these devices. There are many devices out there on the market however it is very important to distinguish between those that are not FDA approved and those that are FDA approved. This is very important as you should only purchase a pulse oximeter that is FDA approved. The next step is to determine what type of pulse oximeter will you be needing (adult or pediatric?). Obviously you can determine this if you have a child with special health condition in need of the device.
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