The Working Principle Of A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Marci Glover


Pulse oximetry is the method by which the level of saturation of oxygen gas in the blood is monitored. The device used to do the monitoring process is referred to as a recording pulse oximeter. The sensor must be pinned across a thin organ. In adults earlobes or fingertips are the best while in infants feet or hands can do. The percentage of blood hemoglobin loaded with oxygen is monitored and displayed on the 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 an oximeter is very simple and is mainly based on difference in absorption of light. The device has a processor and a pair of LEDs, which face a photodiode. The photodiode is normally separated from the LED by a translucent body part like an earlobe. One LED is red in color at 660nm wavelength while the other one is infrared at a wavelength of 940nm. At such wavelengths, absorption of light by hemoglobin that is loaded with oxygen and that which is not is very different.

The diodes flash approximately 30 times every second. The accuracy could be gauged by the consistency of the flashing per minute. For a device to be considered good it should have high accuracy with mechanisms of letting users know if the readings displayed are wrong. Users must also be alerted of inaccurate readings due to interferences. Modern versions allow interfacing with computers hence allowing better reading of displayed data.

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.

Features to check for when buying a device include capability to maintain data from multiple people, availability of accessories, and simplicity of storage. Common accessories include cases for storage, log books, and batteries. The gadget should be simple to use and the shape should be convenient. Buyers have flexibility in picking color of a product since they come in a wide range or color shades.

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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