Insights On Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Oxygen saturation (SpO2), which is the measure of oxyhaemoglobing in blood, is a very important measurement as it shows the extent of blood oxygenation. The measurement was undertaken traditionally by invasely taking blood samples. The method was rather in-ideal and unable to provide clinicians real-time measurements. The need for a noninvasive approach to measuring oxygen saturation resulted in the development 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.

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.

The gadgets are not only simple, but also easy to operate. Operating them does not entail any skill or technical know how. However, the practice of data transfer involves minor technical know-how. These instruments are also simple to read. Their display is robust that makes viewing oxygen saturation easier as opposed to the relatively compact finger pulse meter. All units incorporate a signal quality indicator along with them 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.

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.




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