Pulse oximetry is currently of great importance and some people are forced to carry an oximeter everywhere they go. Recording pulse oximeter is one of the models of oximetry devices used to measure blood oxygen saturation and heart beat. The device has the capability to store all values captured over time in a memory hence the name recording. A computer that is running the software that is sold together with the device serves as the memory.
Modern devices are always increasing in the level of sophistication that it is necessary to have some background information about what to look for when buying them. This article presents some of the basic components to consider when making a purchase. In general, the factors to consider include battery type, size, comfort, perfusion index, display, accuracy, warranty, wireless or Bluetooth capability, and compatibility with other devices among others.
Batteries normally come in 2 types, that is, alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Alkaline batteries come permanently fitted in the gadget and cannot be serviced. They are capable of lasting several years, but they eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When they start failing, they can cause a major degradation in performance and accuracy of the device. Some models may also not have replacements for the battery shortening their life span.
On the contrary, rechargeable batteries last longer making them cost effective. The only service they need is recharging, when power runs out. Charging is even more convenient because it can be done when the gadget is in use. Some recent oximeter models are however capable of using both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. This provides much flexibility to the user in terms of power sources. Such models are better than those that are specific in the battery type they can use.
Devices that incorporate alarm systems have life-saving capability. The user can program the gadget to alert them when certain events take place. For example, the device notifies the user through an alarm when blood oxygen saturation or heartbeat rises or falls below a certain level. Such notifications are important to the health staff when a patient is under a life threatening medical condition.
The display is the interface through which the user is able to understand the values measured by the instrument. The display should be readable and clear enough to be seen without much trouble. Cheap models have standard LED displays, but the expensive models have better displays. The display should also be able to show other data such as battery level, perfusion index, pulse meter and waveform, and menus among others.
Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.
Price depends on quality and features the device has. When choosing, one should avoid trading quality with cost. That can be risky in critical use. Getting a device with a high level of accuracy costs a lot.
Modern devices are always increasing in the level of sophistication that it is necessary to have some background information about what to look for when buying them. This article presents some of the basic components to consider when making a purchase. In general, the factors to consider include battery type, size, comfort, perfusion index, display, accuracy, warranty, wireless or Bluetooth capability, and compatibility with other devices among others.
Batteries normally come in 2 types, that is, alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Alkaline batteries come permanently fitted in the gadget and cannot be serviced. They are capable of lasting several years, but they eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When they start failing, they can cause a major degradation in performance and accuracy of the device. Some models may also not have replacements for the battery shortening their life span.
On the contrary, rechargeable batteries last longer making them cost effective. The only service they need is recharging, when power runs out. Charging is even more convenient because it can be done when the gadget is in use. Some recent oximeter models are however capable of using both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. This provides much flexibility to the user in terms of power sources. Such models are better than those that are specific in the battery type they can use.
Devices that incorporate alarm systems have life-saving capability. The user can program the gadget to alert them when certain events take place. For example, the device notifies the user through an alarm when blood oxygen saturation or heartbeat rises or falls below a certain level. Such notifications are important to the health staff when a patient is under a life threatening medical condition.
The display is the interface through which the user is able to understand the values measured by the instrument. The display should be readable and clear enough to be seen without much trouble. Cheap models have standard LED displays, but the expensive models have better displays. The display should also be able to show other data such as battery level, perfusion index, pulse meter and waveform, and menus among others.
Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.
Price depends on quality and features the device has. When choosing, one should avoid trading quality with cost. That can be risky in critical use. Getting a device with a high level of accuracy costs a lot.
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