Pulse oximetry is a technique used on patients to monitor oxygen saturation in the blood. A recording pulse oximeter is the medical gadget used for this purpose. The device monitors changes in oxygen saturation and notifies the patient or physician when it falls below certain levels. This prevents commas or death through fast medical intervention.
The principle of pectrophotometry is the one these gadgets base on in their working. This principle is in turn reliant on how deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells absorb red and infrared light. The sensor records these rates of absorption and passes the values to the main machine to be processed. The machine processes and gives new values after every of 0.5-1 seconds. High accuracy is ensured by this high rate.
The gadget comprises of two light emitting diodes that emit infrared and red radiations. When in use, the diodes must be placed directly opposite to their respective detectors. The detectors and the diodes should then be separated by 5-10 mm of tissue. This is why an oximeter must be placed on an organ with thin tissues like an earlobe or fingertip. Sensors of the device are made into clips or wraps. Recent studies show that oxygen saturation inside the body cannot be measured effectively through earlobes.
These devices can be employed in all medical settings where it is important to monitor blood oxygen saturation in patients. Major facilities in which they are used include treatment wards, recovery wards, operation rooms, intensive care, and emergency units. Accuracy of recorded values can be achieved by the patient staying in a calm position. Devices with recording function are better because they keep a record of values for a given period for future use.
Besides gauging level of O2 concentration in blood, oximeters have many other applications. First, oximetry can be an alternative or replacement for blood gas analysis unless if acid-base state or PaCO2 is required. This technique is also simpler to perform, less painful, and costs less in comparison to several others. The level of accuracy is also higher especially if a patient is conscious. Recorded values set standards and are useful in determining variations.
Using an oximeter also ensures that oxygen supplied in tanks to patients is used economically without wastage. Other uses are in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring. However these two applications are not yet standardized but they may in the near future. Besides being used in medical buildings, these devices are also used in ambulances as a form of first aid to patients. They are also becoming a common component of GP kit.
In primary care, oximetry is used in diagnosis and management exacerbation of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a place. The severity of an asthma attack can also be graded through this method. When the saturation level falls below 92 percent, it indicates that the asthma attack is life-threatening. The degree of seriousness of bronchiolitis in kids can also be assessed and cared for through oximetry.
The capability of recording oximeters to record readings raises their prices above those of other models. Costs are dictated by the number of additional functionalities in the gadget. Purchases may be made from shops that sell medical apparatus.
The principle of pectrophotometry is the one these gadgets base on in their working. This principle is in turn reliant on how deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells absorb red and infrared light. The sensor records these rates of absorption and passes the values to the main machine to be processed. The machine processes and gives new values after every of 0.5-1 seconds. High accuracy is ensured by this high rate.
The gadget comprises of two light emitting diodes that emit infrared and red radiations. When in use, the diodes must be placed directly opposite to their respective detectors. The detectors and the diodes should then be separated by 5-10 mm of tissue. This is why an oximeter must be placed on an organ with thin tissues like an earlobe or fingertip. Sensors of the device are made into clips or wraps. Recent studies show that oxygen saturation inside the body cannot be measured effectively through earlobes.
These devices can be employed in all medical settings where it is important to monitor blood oxygen saturation in patients. Major facilities in which they are used include treatment wards, recovery wards, operation rooms, intensive care, and emergency units. Accuracy of recorded values can be achieved by the patient staying in a calm position. Devices with recording function are better because they keep a record of values for a given period for future use.
Besides gauging level of O2 concentration in blood, oximeters have many other applications. First, oximetry can be an alternative or replacement for blood gas analysis unless if acid-base state or PaCO2 is required. This technique is also simpler to perform, less painful, and costs less in comparison to several others. The level of accuracy is also higher especially if a patient is conscious. Recorded values set standards and are useful in determining variations.
Using an oximeter also ensures that oxygen supplied in tanks to patients is used economically without wastage. Other uses are in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring. However these two applications are not yet standardized but they may in the near future. Besides being used in medical buildings, these devices are also used in ambulances as a form of first aid to patients. They are also becoming a common component of GP kit.
In primary care, oximetry is used in diagnosis and management exacerbation of COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a place. The severity of an asthma attack can also be graded through this method. When the saturation level falls below 92 percent, it indicates that the asthma attack is life-threatening. The degree of seriousness of bronchiolitis in kids can also be assessed and cared for through oximetry.
The capability of recording oximeters to record readings raises their prices above those of other models. Costs are dictated by the number of additional functionalities in the gadget. Purchases may be made from shops that sell medical apparatus.
