The Wrist Pulse Oximeter For Home Use

By Harriett Crosby


The wrist pulse oximeter is a device that is used to find out the levels of oxygen in a person's blood at any time of the day or night, and is ideal for personal use. It also measures the heart rate of a patient. These facts sometimes need to be known for various reasons that relate to someone's health.

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.

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.

Although a large amount of the light is taken in by body tissue, the bit that is not will show the hemoglobin saturation levels. The reading is shown in a percentage, and a healthy level of oxygen is indicated at between ninety-five and ninety-eight percent. It is still fine if the level of oxygen reaches as low as ninety percent, but below this level the patient will need to receive oxygen for respiratory distress relief. The body's cells are unable to function properly when oxygen levels are this low.

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.

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.

The wrist pulse oximeter is equipped with a long-lasting battery, and can be used with various software programs that are readily available. The device can also be used when you are wearing nail polish, regardless of the color. They are usually purchased with at least a year warranty.




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