Understanding Wrist Pulse Oximeters And Why You Need One

By Leticia Jensen


Normally, the body responds to low oxygen level in the blood by increasing the pumping rate so as to meet oxygen demand by the brain, muscles and other organs. This means that the faster than normal heart beat is an indication of inadequate oxygen supply. In order to determine how much oxygen is in blood at any given time, wrist pulse oximeters can be very useful.

One of the first tests you go through in hospital or any other medical center is determination of oxygen level in the blood system. In order to accurately determine level of oxygen in blood, oximeters are the devices primarily used. However, with understanding that monitoring oxygen level is important, there are several oximeters designed for home use.

The ideal designs for home use are of convenient size and are much easier to operate. When it comes to reliability, they perform so well. The information can be stored for up to three days. There is a need however to constantly clear off data particularly when information is full so that they can work. If you are in a mission to buy one of these wrist oximeters, you can be sure that they meet all the FDA requirements and are fully approved which is the evidence of safety.

With FDA approval, you can be sure of the quality of your device. They size is convenient and very easy to operate. The data can be store for many days as long as you have good data management software. Being light in weight and very small in size, they are not prone to finger fatigue. In fact, they are very ideal for taking measurements when asleep as movement and light can both interfere with it operation.

It is ideal for a large category of patients, particularly is your condition requires that you are in constant check of oxygen level in the blood system, good example being patients with asthma condition. It is your best mate particularly when comes to accurate measurement since it takes many measurements over a period of time. This however does not mean that it cannot work for spot check ups as it still performs very well.

Given that this device operates by emitting red and ultraviolet light, other foreign light may hinder its optimal operation. Other than this, movements may also disrupt its accuracy in operation, the reason why it is best used over night. The other area of limitation is as a result of over reliance of pulse rate. While it works best with stronger pulse rate, it does not work properly with weak heat beats.

There are however a few limitations. It primarily depends on light for functionality and will only work best with minimal light from other sources. There should be no movement for proper recording. It also depends on heart beat and can therefore work only with strong pulses. When the pulses are weak, there might be no data to record from the device.

This is the ultimate home remedy for continuous monitoring of oxygen level in blood. The measurement if given in percentage with the normal level being anywhere from 95% to 98% although anything less may not be a course for worry as this depends on many factors. When the reading is below 90%, it is time to look for medical advice.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment