The Working Principle 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 LED flashes at a rate of about thirty times in a second. A device that maintains the rate of flashing constant has a high accuracy. A good device is one that has high accuracy and also has some means of notifying the user in case of an incorrect reading. Presence of interferences that affect accuracy in the readings should also be disclosed to the user. Some modern models have computer interfaces allowing the user to see readings in a better way.

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 making a purchase, extra features to look for include ability to store data for multiple users, ease of storage, and availability of additional accessories. Additional accessories include storage cases and log books. The device should be well shaped for convenience and it must be easy to use too. There are many color shades on the market and one can choose according to their preferences.

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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