Information Regarding The Wrist Pulse Oximeter

By Harriett Crosby


Adults are aware of the fact that their heart rate can be monitored, and sometimes this is necessary. Most also know how to measure their pulse in the conventional way by finding it in various parts of the body. Less commonly known is the meaning of oximetry, which is the way to determine how much oxygen the blood contains. Equipment has been designed to measure oxygen levels, such as the wrist pulse oximeter.

Oximeters are equipment with various designs, and mostly they are found in large health institutions, such as hospitals. Nurses and doctors will use them in the critical care units and in the emergency department of the facility; and possibly in other areas as well. However, people also need the device outside of a hospital, and this is why they have been created in the form of a wristwatch. They will be needed when someone is in danger of their oxygen levels falling below an acceptable range.

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.

The wristwatch oximeters are usually used on one's finger, but on the earlobe or on a toe are common places too. The device does not hurt in any way, as it is non-invasive, and works with red and infrared lights. They are ideally bought by people who wish to monitor their levels of oxygen during sleep, study or exercise, or because they have asthma.

A small amount of the light is not absorbed by the skin and surrounding tissue, and highlights the hemoglobin within. The device will give a reading in percentage form, which can be between ninety-five and ninety-eight percent in a healthy person. This percentage may also drop lower at times, or for some people due to various reasons, but under ninety percent is considered problematic. Oxygen will then need to be provided so that the body cells can function, and so that the patient can breathe normally.

There are certain ways that someone's oxygen levels should be measured with oximeters to ensure that the device's readings are more accurate. Firstly, oximeters can only work when the pulse of the patient can be easily detected, and is strong. The reading will not be accurate with a weaker heart rate, and for patients with irregular heartbeats.

It is not recommended to use oximeters under strong lights, and the patient will have to be as still as possible when the reading is taken. Movement, as well as bright lights, could cause the device to give an unreliable percentage. Since that a few factors could cause discrepancies, a sole reading is insufficient.

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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