Buying Tips For Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Deanne Shepard


Pulse oximetry is important in many situations making it necessary to carry the device everywhere. Recording pulse oximeter is an oximetry device used for measuring the level of saturation of blood oxygen and the rate of heart beat. The word recording is used because the device is able to record and maintain a list of values in memory. Memory is normally in form of a computer, which runs the software that accompanies the device.

With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.

Alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the 2 types of batteries in these devices. Alkaline batteries cannot be serviced because they come already fixed in the oximeter. They can last many years, but they must be replaced when they eventually degrade. The affect the accuracy and performance of the device greatly once they start failing. The life of some models is also limited due to lack of replacement batteries.

Rechargeable batteries are on the contrary cost effective because they last longer. Power is depleted as they are used and must be recharged. Most devices can still be used as they get charged. Recent technology allow some gadgets to be able to use both kinds of batteries. The user is therefore presented with more flexibility in terms of choice of power source. It is better to settle for such brands of devices than ones that are specific in the kind of battery they can use.

There is life-saving capability in products that have alarm systems. Alarms are set by the user to ring upon the occurrence of certain events. For example, when heart rate or blood O2 concentration goes above or below a specific level, the device through the alarm system, notifies the user. The health staff can therefore react fast enough to such occurrences if the patient is under a comma or sedatives.

All values recorded by the gadget are presented to the user through the display interface. The display chosen should be clear and readable with minimum effort. Expensive models normally have superior displays as opposed to LED displays in cheap models. Additional data like battery level, pulse meter and waveform, menus, and perfusion index should also be displayed.

Bluetooth and other wireless capabilities allow the gadget to automatically download recorded values on a computer. The download can be set to happen at predetermined time intervals. This ensures that no data is lost and a record of values is maintained for future use and reference. Such capabilities are useful to health workers in homes because they can keep track of the blood oxygen saturation and heart rate in a patient without disrupting them.

Cost is dependent on quality and features incorporated in the device. Quality should not be traded for cost when making a purchase because that can be dangerous. Some of the most accurate devices cost very highly.




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