The Crucial Applications Of Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Oxygen saturation (SpO2), which is the measure of oxyhaemoglobing in blood, is a very important measurement as it shows the extent of blood oxygenation. The measurement was undertaken traditionally by invasely taking blood samples. The method was rather in-ideal and unable to provide clinicians real-time measurements. The need for a noninvasive approach to measuring oxygen saturation resulted in the development of wrist pulse oximeters.

The modern oximeter technique is a non-invasive approach to the measurement of pulse rate and blood saturation in the arteries. Clinicians employ the method in ascertaining SpO2 in sedated, unconscious and unaesthetic individuals and in people that cannot control their own oxygen supply. Hospitals, operating rooms, homes and medical clinics make extensive use of this equipment.

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.

The benefits accruing from this crucial equipment are many and diverse. To begin with, they are quite mobile and portable, with no need for an external source of energy. They are appended to the wrist, which makes them convenient and portable for users requiring continuous monitoring. Also the measuring tools come in lightweight without cables which could otherwise be subject to interruptions by being tangled or caught.

The gadgets are not only simple, but also easy to operate. Operating them does not entail any skill or technical know how. However, the practice of data transfer involves minor technical know-how. These instruments are also simple to read. Their display is robust that makes viewing oxygen saturation easier as opposed to the relatively compact finger pulse meter. All units incorporate a signal quality indicator along with them on the display.

In terms of affordability, the wrist based meters are fairly priced. Their mid-prices make them relatively cheap compared to their handheld and finger counterparts. Also, they can be applied by virtually all age groups, both adults and pediatric. Selecting a particular device depends on the size of your finger and your unit ability to withstand various sizes and types.

The equipment also offers data storage. They are capable of keeping data and being programmed to provide readings within set time frames to facilitate for the reading of saturation levels. They record extensive oxygen and heart rate data and require software to enable them to download and make reports on computers installed with windows.

It is out of doubt that such instruments are state of the art innovations. However, their application should be carefully planned and monitored. Not all measurements call for a wrist pulse, particularly where alarms are required and when spot checking is the main service carried out. For alarm services, be sure to employ handheld and tabletop pulse oximeter types.




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