The Wrist Pulse Oximeter For Home Use

By Harriett Crosby


The wrist pulse oximeter is a device that is used to find out the levels of oxygen in a person's blood at any time of the day or night, and is ideal for personal use. It also measures the heart rate of a patient. These facts sometimes need to be known for various reasons that relate to someone's health.

When there is a worry that someone's oxygen levels could fall too low, oximeters will need to be used. Medical facilities are equipped with such appliances, and usually have them fitted in various sections, such as the intensive care and casualty areas. The oximeters that have been designed in the form of a wristwatch are more useful for persons who are not in a hospital environment.

Oximeters in the form of wristwatches are compact, but effective. They work in a similar way to those used at hospitals. Conveniently, they can remember data for up to eighty hours, at which time they will need to be cleared in order to be used again. The data can either be saved elsewhere, or removed from the device. These special oximeters are considered as safe to use by the FDA.

Persons who would like to monitor their heart rates and their oxygen levels at home, while they study or while they sleep, will find these devices ideal. Persons who would like to monitor their asthmatic condition may consider using them as well. Oximeters, including the wristwatch variety, have a non-invasive probe that produces red and infrared light. They are usually shined onto a finger, toe or earlobe.

The light that is shined onto the skin is mostly absorbed by tissue, but some is not, and it is this small amount of light that is used to show the level of oxygen in the blood, or the hemoglobin levels. An individual in good health will be expected to get a reading of between 95% and 98%. It will rarely be at 100%. However, for some people it could be normal that the percentage is anything down to 90% as well. Below this percentage, the patient may be having trouble breathing.

There are certain ways that someone's oxygen levels should be measured with oximeters to ensure that the device's readings are more accurate. Firstly, oximeters can only work when the pulse of the patient can be easily detected, and is strong. The reading will not be accurate with a weaker heart rate, and for patients with irregular heartbeats.

Furthermore, the accuracy of the device is hindered by movement, as it affects the way the light is produced. The person being tested must remain still. The device works with light, and therefore the presence of other bright lights could affect its reliability. Since that oximeters can produce results that are inaccurate, several readings should always be taken.

A good battery that can last for many hours is attached to the wrist pulse oximeter. It is not affected by nail decorations, and its warranty allows the customer peace of mind with their purchase. It is also easy to acquire the necessary software for the device.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment