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The Crucial Applications Of Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Traditionally, oxygen saturation was measured invasely by drawing samples of blood. Oxygen saturation is simply the measure of the level of oxyhaemoglobing in the blood. The measure is especially important as it alerts on the level of blood oxygenation. The traditional means of measurement was inefficient as it was unable to equip clinicians with real time measurements. This ineffectiveness prompted the innovation of wrist pulse oximeters.

A pulse oxymeter is simply a device that non-invasively measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation and the pulse rate. The technique enables clinicians to determine SpO2 in people that are sedated, unconscious, unaesthetic or not able to regulate their own supply of oxygen. This avoids irreversible tissue supply. They are widely used in medical clinics, hospitals, homes and operating rooms.

Their medical application ranges from people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to patients suffering from asthma, emphysema and other such diseases and conditions. As a preventive device, it is used by pilots and mountain climbers of high altitudes to guard against hypoxia. Athletes, while training in higher altitudes, utilize wrist Oximeters because the oxygen level decline can increase the red blood cells and thus increasing his 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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