Pulse oximetry is a technique used on patients to monitor oxygen saturation in the blood. A recording pulse oximeter is the medical gadget used for this purpose. The device monitors changes in oxygen saturation and notifies the patient or physician when it falls below certain levels. This prevents commas or death through fast medical intervention.
The working of these devices bases on the principle of spectrophotometry. This principle depends on how the red and infrared lights are absorbed by oxygen-filled and deoxygenated blood cells in the body. These absorption rates are taken by the device and then processed by the main machine to give new readings after every 0.5 or 1 second. This high frequency at which readings are generated ensures high accuracy in the device.
The gadget comprises of two light emitting diodes that emit infrared and red radiations. When in use, the diodes must be placed directly opposite to their respective detectors. The detectors and the diodes should then be separated by 5-10 mm of tissue. This is why an oximeter must be placed on an organ with thin tissues like an earlobe or fingertip. Sensors of the device are made into clips or wraps. Recent studies show that oxygen saturation inside the body cannot be measured effectively through earlobes.
These devices are very useful in any setting where the amount of oxygen saturation within the body needs to be known at all times. Such settings include emergency units, intensive care, operation rooms, and in recovery and treatment wards in hospitals. Patients are advised to keep calm or minimize major movements in order to ensure accuracy of the readings. Devices with recording capability are better because they maintain a history of all values taken over a given period.
Besides gauging level of O2 concentration in blood, oximeters have many other applications. First, oximetry can be an alternative or replacement for blood gas analysis unless if acid-base state or PaCO2 is required. This technique is also simpler to perform, less painful, and costs less in comparison to several others. The level of accuracy is also higher especially if a patient is conscious. Recorded values set standards and are useful in determining variations.
Oximeters also prevent wastage of oxygen supplied to patients by keeping usage only to required levels. Intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal care are the other areas of usage. Use in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring are not developed and standardized fully but soon they will. First aid in modern ambulances is provided by these devices. GP kits are progressively getting equipped with oximeters.
In primary care, oximetry is used in diagnosis and management exacerbation of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a place. The severity of an asthma attack can also be graded through this method. When the saturation level falls below 92 percent, it indicates that the asthma attack is life-threatening. The degree of seriousness of bronchiolitis in kids can also be assessed and cared for through oximetry.
Recording oximeters cost a bit higher because of the additional capability. They are available at different prices depending on the level of complexity. They can be bought from any store that stocks medical equipment.
The working of these devices bases on the principle of spectrophotometry. This principle depends on how the red and infrared lights are absorbed by oxygen-filled and deoxygenated blood cells in the body. These absorption rates are taken by the device and then processed by the main machine to give new readings after every 0.5 or 1 second. This high frequency at which readings are generated ensures high accuracy in the device.
The gadget comprises of two light emitting diodes that emit infrared and red radiations. When in use, the diodes must be placed directly opposite to their respective detectors. The detectors and the diodes should then be separated by 5-10 mm of tissue. This is why an oximeter must be placed on an organ with thin tissues like an earlobe or fingertip. Sensors of the device are made into clips or wraps. Recent studies show that oxygen saturation inside the body cannot be measured effectively through earlobes.
These devices are very useful in any setting where the amount of oxygen saturation within the body needs to be known at all times. Such settings include emergency units, intensive care, operation rooms, and in recovery and treatment wards in hospitals. Patients are advised to keep calm or minimize major movements in order to ensure accuracy of the readings. Devices with recording capability are better because they maintain a history of all values taken over a given period.
Besides gauging level of O2 concentration in blood, oximeters have many other applications. First, oximetry can be an alternative or replacement for blood gas analysis unless if acid-base state or PaCO2 is required. This technique is also simpler to perform, less painful, and costs less in comparison to several others. The level of accuracy is also higher especially if a patient is conscious. Recorded values set standards and are useful in determining variations.
Oximeters also prevent wastage of oxygen supplied to patients by keeping usage only to required levels. Intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal care are the other areas of usage. Use in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring are not developed and standardized fully but soon they will. First aid in modern ambulances is provided by these devices. GP kits are progressively getting equipped with oximeters.
In primary care, oximetry is used in diagnosis and management exacerbation of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a place. The severity of an asthma attack can also be graded through this method. When the saturation level falls below 92 percent, it indicates that the asthma attack is life-threatening. The degree of seriousness of bronchiolitis in kids can also be assessed and cared for through oximetry.
Recording oximeters cost a bit higher because of the additional capability. They are available at different prices depending on the level of complexity. They can be bought from any store that stocks medical equipment.
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