The Crucial Applications Of Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Traditionally, oxygen saturation was measured invasely by drawing samples of blood. Oxygen saturation is simply the measure of the level of oxyhaemoglobing in the blood. The measure is especially important as it alerts on the level of blood oxygenation. The traditional means of measurement was inefficient as it was unable to equip clinicians with real time measurements. This ineffectiveness prompted the innovation 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.

Their medical application ranges from people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to patients suffering from asthma, emphysema and other such diseases and conditions. As a preventive device, it is used by pilots and mountain climbers of high altitudes to guard against hypoxia. Athletes, while training in higher altitudes, utilize wrist Oximeters because the oxygen level decline can increase the red blood cells and thus increasing his endurance.

Wrist oximeters offer a wide range of benefits. The device is relatively mobile and do not need an external source of power. They are simply attached to the wrist, making them more portable for the user that requires continued monitoring. In addition, they are lightweight and do not have long cable that could otherwise be caught or tangled when in use.

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.

The gadgets are readily available and within the reach of many people. When compared with handheld and finger pulse Oximeters, they have favorable prices. Their services are appreciated widely and from all age groups, ranging from pediatric to adults. Multiple of them fit pediatric and adult population, according to the size of the finger and unit ability of the individual to use different sizes and types.

The equipment also offers data storage. They are capable of keeping data and being programmed to provide readings within set time frames to facilitate for the reading of saturation levels. They record extensive oxygen and heart rate data and require software to enable them to download and make reports on computers installed with windows.

It is out of doubt that such instruments are state of the art innovations. However, their application should be carefully planned and monitored. Not all measurements call for a wrist pulse, particularly where alarms are required and when spot checking is the main service carried out. For alarm services, be sure to employ handheld and tabletop pulse oximeter types.




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