jeudi 26 décembre 2013

Information Regarding The Wrist Pulse Oximeter

By Harriett Crosby


Most people know that their pulse, or heart rate, can be measured, and that this measurement may be necessary for several medical reasons. During a general check up at the doctor, your heart rate will most likely be determined to see if it is normal. Oximetry is the medical term used to describe the measurement of how much oxygen is within the blood at any given time. For this purpose, the wrist pulse oximeter has been developed.

The reason why oximeters may be used is when someone's oxygenation is unstable. They are a device that are mostly found in various departments of hospitals. They are common in emergency rooms, and in intensive and critical care rooms. However, oximeters have also been developed that are ideal for home usage, as they fit around a patient's arm, and look just like a wristwatch.

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.

Oximeters give quite accurate readings, but there are certain things that cause unreliable readings. There must be a strong pulse rate in order for the device to work. Patients who have an irregular heartbeat will not be able to get an accurate reading. A patient will also struggle if they have a very weak heart rate.

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.

Computer programs will need to be purchased along with the wrist pulse oximeter, but they are easy to find. The long battery life and the fact that they can be used even whilst wearing nail polish are additional advantages. They will also have a guarantee of quality.




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