Facts About Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


The amount of oxyhaemoglobing contained in the blood is referred to as oxygen saturation. This measure is particularly important as it indicates the level of blood oxygenation. Long time ago, the measurement was carried out by invasely examining blood samples. This approach proved rather difficult as far as real time measurements were concerned. It is this disparity that led to the design of wrist pulse oximeters.

A pulse oxymeter is simply a device that non-invasively measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation and the pulse rate. The technique enables clinicians to determine SpO2 in people that are sedated, unconscious, unaesthetic or not able to regulate their own supply of oxygen. This avoids irreversible tissue supply. They are widely used in medical clinics, hospitals, homes and operating rooms.

The equipment is medically employed by patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and other related respiratory conditions. In addition, it is used by individuals in quite high altitudes including pilots and mountain climbers in guarding them against hypoxia. Wrist Oximeters are also handy gadgets, especially for athletes during their training in high altitudes. The decline in oxygen level has the ability of increasing the amount of red blood cells in the arteries of the athlete and aids in increasing their endurance.

The benefits accruing from this crucial equipment are many and diverse. To begin with, they are quite mobile and portable, with no need for an external source of energy. They are appended to the wrist, which makes them convenient and portable for users requiring continuous monitoring. Also the measuring tools come in lightweight without cables which could otherwise be subject to interruptions by being tangled or caught.

When it comes to operation, the devices are not only easy to operate but also simple. No experienced or technical know-how is specified in their operation. However, the task of transferring the very data entails minor technical know-how. Reading the instruments is just a walk in the park. This is facilitated by their display, which is robust, making viewing pulse rate and saturation of oxygen rather easier. It is entirely contrary to the otherwise compact finger oximeter. These instruments have units incorporating a signal indicator for quality specifically on the display.

These measuring instruments are also quite affordable. As opposed to the finger and handheld Oximeters, they are mid-priced and within the reach of many. Another outstanding feature of this gadget is that it embraces all age groups, from adults to pediatric. Numerous wrist meters fit not only pediatric but also adult population, basing on the finger size and the individual units potential to use various sizes and types.

Record and data storage is also part of its application. This measuring gadget is fitted with storage memory capable of keeping the data. It can also be programmed to give readings at the set time limits to provide a reading of oxygen saturation.

These facilities may however not be well adapted in all avenues. For example, their lack of alarms makes them only suitable in sleep screening. However, where the services of the alarm are required, they are of little help. They also offer spot checking but may not be ideal when spot checking is the primary concern.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment