Facts About Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


The amount of oxyhaemoglobing contained in the blood is referred to as oxygen saturation. This measure is particularly important as it indicates the level of blood oxygenation. Long time ago, the measurement was carried out by invasely examining blood samples. This approach proved rather difficult as far as real time measurements were concerned. It is this disparity that led to the design of wrist pulse oximeters.

The modern oximeter technique is a non-invasive approach to the measurement of pulse rate and blood saturation in the arteries. Clinicians employ the method in ascertaining SpO2 in sedated, unconscious and unaesthetic individuals and in people that cannot control their own oxygen supply. Hospitals, operating rooms, homes and medical clinics make extensive use of this equipment.

The equipment is medically employed by patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and other related respiratory conditions. In addition, it is used by individuals in quite high altitudes including pilots and mountain climbers in guarding them against hypoxia. Wrist Oximeters are also handy gadgets, especially for athletes during their training in high altitudes. The decline in oxygen level has the ability of increasing the amount of red blood cells in the arteries of the athlete and aids in increasing their endurance.

These measuring devices are advantageous and convenient. Their small size renders them portable and mobile, coupled with the fact that there is no demand for an external power supply. Continuous monitoring is also possible as a result of their personal attachment. In addition, they come in absolutely lightweight and without long cables that prove cumbersome and interfering.

When it comes to operation, the devices are not only easy to operate but also simple. No experienced or technical know-how is specified in their operation. However, the task of transferring the very data entails minor technical know-how. Reading the instruments is just a walk in the park. This is facilitated by their display, which is robust, making viewing pulse rate and saturation of oxygen rather easier. It is entirely contrary to the otherwise compact finger oximeter. These instruments have units incorporating a signal indicator for quality specifically 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.

The equipment can also serve as data storage. An internal memory is incorporated into the gadget for storage of information. It is also possible to program them for readings within particular set time intervals to enhance drawing measurements about the heartbeat rate and saturation. With this utility, extensive heart rate and the oxygen content is recorded and a software can be installed on computers to enable them generate reports.

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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