infolinks ads text

Information Concerning Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Rosella Campbell


Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive technique of monitoring the level of saturation of oxygen gas in the blood of a patient. This monitoring is done using a recording pulse oximeter. The device monitors the way oxygen saturation changes in the body and alerts the doctor or the patient when it falls under dangerously low levels. This allows for fast intervention hence preventing possible loss of life or commas.

Spectrophotometry is the main principle that the working of these gadgets bases on. This principle is dependent on the mode of absorption of red and infrared radiation by deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells. These rates of absorption are recorded by the sensor and passed to the main machine for processing. The main machine gives fresh values at intervals of 0.5 or 1 seconds after processing. This high rate ensures high accuracy.

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 find use in any medical setting where blood oxygen saturation needs to be monitored at all times. Examples of such settings are operation rooms, recovery and treatment wards, emergency units, and intensive care. Accuracy of the readings is ensured by the patient staying calm and avoiding big moves. Devices that are able to record values are better because a history of values recorded within a given period can be maintained.

Besides determining oxygen saturation in blood cells, oximeters can be used in many other situations. First, blood gas analysis may be replaced with oximetry except in situations where PaCO2 or acid-base state is needed. When compared to other techques, oximetry is less painful, costs less, and is simpler to perform. In cases where the patient is conscious, this method has a high level of accuracy. Recorded values are used as standards and can be utilized in determining variations.

Using an oximeter also ensures that oxygen supplied in tanks to patients is used economically without wastage. Other uses are in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring. However these two applications are not yet standardized but they may in the near future. Besides being used in medical buildings, these devices are also used in ambulances as a form of first aid to patients. They are also becoming a common component of GP kit.

In primary care, oximetry finds use in diagnosing and managing exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a location. It also helps in grading the level of seriousness of an asthma attack. An asthma attack is considered life-threatening is the level of saturation falls at or below 92 percent. Severity of bronchiolitis in children is also assessed and medically cared for through this method.

The recording function in recording oximeters makes them to cost a little higher than other models. Prices vary according to the degree of complexity. Stores that sell medical equipment are among the places one can buy these devices from.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment