To determine the level of saturation of arterial hemoglobin with oxygen, special portable devices are used. They function in accordance with a fairly complex technology, which is based on two basic principles. The first is to change the absorption of light by hemoglobin depending on its saturation with O₂, and the second is based on the pulsation of the light flux during the contraction of the heart muscle. A modern pulse oximeter requires consideration of various factors that affect the accuracy of the results. You can buy it in a specialized online store at an affordable cost, which is influenced by design features, the manufacturer of the device. Customers are offered various types of pulse oximeters. So, it is worth considering in more detail what kind of device it is.
Design features of the pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter is necessary for every person who systematically monitors their health. A convenient and compact device is able to determine the level of oxygen in a biological fluid in a few seconds. A more advanced blood oxygen meter can perform additional functions, but the basic principle of its operation remains the same. The pulse oximeter is a small sensor that is fixed on the finger of the hand. In this case, the nail must be absolutely clean, since in the presence of a varnish coating, the results of the study may be distorted.
The equipment that determines oxygen in human blood consists of several parts:
- main body;
- microprocessor;
- display;
- accumulator battery.
When the device is turned on, the sensors emit light that passes through the tissues and is absorbed by the internal organs. The obtained indicators directly depend on the level of oxygen concentration in hemoglobin cells. They are processed by the microprocessor and displayed on the display in the form of numerical values or graphs.
The main types of pulse oximeters
Depending on whether you how much blood does a person have the model of the measuring device is selected. There are several types of devices:
- stationary;
- finger;
- waist;
- sleep monitors.
Stationary equipment is equipped with a large amount of memory. It can be connected to monitoring stations that allow monitoring the health status of patients. With the help of finger devices, oxygen saturation of blood is carried out in people of any age. Their main advantage is compactness and mobility. In terms of functionality, they are practically not inferior to bulky stationary devices.
How to use a pulse oximeter correctly
To buy a pulse oximeter, you can use the services of a specialized online store that sells medical equipment. Before using a blood oxygen meter, you must carefully study the instructions developed by the manufacturer. All measurements are recommended to be carried out in a darkened room. In this case, the patient must be in a static state. The most accurate analysis results can only be obtained when the battery is fully charged. If necessary, the device is connected to the mains. In most models, the sensors are fixed on the finger. There are devices where the measuring elements are fixed on the earlobe.
Using a pulse oximeter, the rate of oxygen in the blood of adults is determined by indicators in the range of 95-98%. In order for the diagnosis to be reliable, patients are advised to stop smoking, drinking alcohol, energy drinks, strong coffee and tea before the study session. Data distortion may be due to the use of sedative medications that affect the functions of the cardiac and respiratory systems. If a pulse oximeter shows reduced oxygen levels in the blood, what does this mean? Insufficient level of O2 is evidence of acute pathologies of the respiratory organs. Indicators usually decrease with significant blood loss that occurs during surgical operations. A decrease in oxygen in red blood cells is observed in people who are obese.