A pulse oximeter is an electronic machine that measures the saturation of oxygen (Spo2) carried in red blood cells.
If the medical device works accurately, you can expect a simple, fast, and safe measurement of the oxygen saturation level in your body.
The probe will be placed, and within seconds, the oximeter will provide a reading of your heart rate and oxygen saturation level.
There are no needles or pain involved in the oximetry measurement. Some hospitals also use disposable tape catheters that are wrapped around the finger, nose, or toe.
The pulse oximeter uses a cold light source that shines light through the fingertip, making the tip appear red.
By analyzing the light from the light source passing through the finger, the device can determine the percentage of oxygen in the red blood cell.
Oxygen Saturation Machine
While pulse oximetry is a simple and reliable technology that can detect low blood oxygen levels, it is only effective if you understand how an oximeter works and what to do when low blood oxygen levels are detected.
What are the 2 readings on a pulse oximeter?
There are TWO numerical values obtained from the pulse oximeter monitor:
oxygen saturation
The oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in arterial blood. The value of the oxygen saturation is given together with an audible signal that varies in pitch depending on the oxygen saturation.
A falling pitch indicates falling oxygen saturation. Since the oximeter detects the saturation peripherally on a finger, toe, or ear, the result is recorded as the peripheral oxygen saturation, described as SpO2.
pulse rate
The pulse rate in beats per minute averaged over 5 to 20 seconds. Some oximeters display a pulse waveform or indicator that illustrates the strength of the pulse detected. This display indicates how well the tissues are perfused. The signal strength falls if the circulation becomes inadequate.
What is PI in Oximeter?
The perfusion index (PI) is the ratio between the flow of non-pulsatile and pulsatile blood through the capillary tissue peripheral.
Pulse Oximeter price
Today, millions of people in the US use these medical devices with capabilities to manage their health at home and lead healthier lifestyles.
Pulse Oximeter made in the USA
Pulse oximeters are FDA-cleared for accuracy and are hospital-grade oximeters used in clinical and home settings for over 20 years.