The technology of pulse oximeter has been in existence for long and was first made commercially available in the 1970s, when they were bulky and clumsy weighing up to 35lbs. By then, they were very uncomfortable to use and each unit was quite expensive, retailing at about $10, 000. The situation has drastically changed, one just needs a few dollars to acquire a fingertip model of a recording pulse oximeter.
The working of these devices relies on a very technical scientific principle. Oxygenated blood absorbs red light at 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. As such, the pulse oximeters are made of two light emitting diodes (660nm and 940nm) and two light collecting sensors. The light emitted from LEDs passes through the tissues and are then collected by the sensors that then measures mount of infrared and red light in it. This allows for recording and reporting on oxygen saturation level. Most of the pulse oximeters are able to deliver data n pulse rate, the level of oxygen saturation and cardiac output.
Each device may slightly vary in its working and it is therefore advisable to consider several features when selecting the best device for the job. If possible, the brand and the prices should not be the main determinants but rather, it is better to look for a device that work best for your situation at the lowest price possible.
First of all, the brand and manufacturers should be FDA approved. Just like many other medical devices, these gadgets falls in the type II category and requires FDA approval before distribution to the public. It does not hurt to enter the brand name or manufacturer name through the FDA Medical Device Database and confirm.
The next and most important issue to consider is its accuracy and reliability. Given that its primary purpose is to measure oxygen saturation and the pulse rate, all efforts are focused on finding the device that is able to give the most accurate results in a consistent and reliable manner within its operation range. By comparing it with those used in medical centers, you should be able to select a better option.
As much as possible, your device should be easy to use. In fact, the manual guide should be enough to help you through. If you find yourself having to find an expert to help you, then the device is possibly not the right one. In addition to this, the size also matters. Most people prefer a sizable one that is easy to carry around and safely store.
In addition to these, there are several other features that go a long way in assisting you make the right choice. These include its memory, Ability to connect to a computer or phone to allow for data access and analysis. The devices that have multi-person memory status are also considered deal since data for more than one person.
The other issues include its battery life span, storage case, the logbook, its ease of storage, the general appearance and the software program in it. All these in addition to many other features can help select the best oximeter from the store.
The working of these devices relies on a very technical scientific principle. Oxygenated blood absorbs red light at 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. As such, the pulse oximeters are made of two light emitting diodes (660nm and 940nm) and two light collecting sensors. The light emitted from LEDs passes through the tissues and are then collected by the sensors that then measures mount of infrared and red light in it. This allows for recording and reporting on oxygen saturation level. Most of the pulse oximeters are able to deliver data n pulse rate, the level of oxygen saturation and cardiac output.
Each device may slightly vary in its working and it is therefore advisable to consider several features when selecting the best device for the job. If possible, the brand and the prices should not be the main determinants but rather, it is better to look for a device that work best for your situation at the lowest price possible.
First of all, the brand and manufacturers should be FDA approved. Just like many other medical devices, these gadgets falls in the type II category and requires FDA approval before distribution to the public. It does not hurt to enter the brand name or manufacturer name through the FDA Medical Device Database and confirm.
The next and most important issue to consider is its accuracy and reliability. Given that its primary purpose is to measure oxygen saturation and the pulse rate, all efforts are focused on finding the device that is able to give the most accurate results in a consistent and reliable manner within its operation range. By comparing it with those used in medical centers, you should be able to select a better option.
As much as possible, your device should be easy to use. In fact, the manual guide should be enough to help you through. If you find yourself having to find an expert to help you, then the device is possibly not the right one. In addition to this, the size also matters. Most people prefer a sizable one that is easy to carry around and safely store.
In addition to these, there are several other features that go a long way in assisting you make the right choice. These include its memory, Ability to connect to a computer or phone to allow for data access and analysis. The devices that have multi-person memory status are also considered deal since data for more than one person.
The other issues include its battery life span, storage case, the logbook, its ease of storage, the general appearance and the software program in it. All these in addition to many other features can help select the best oximeter from the store.
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