How to increase Perfusion Index? How to monitor my perfusion index?

First, you have to understand the perfusion index and the Spo2 values (Plethysmograph).

The perfusion index or PI is the relationship between two types of blood flow in a patient, such as the fingertips, the toes, or the earlobe.

The perfusion index is an indication of the strength of the pulse at the sensor site. PI values range from 0.02% for a very weak pulse to 20% for an extremely strong pulse.

The perfusion index varies according to patients, physiological conditions, and monitoring sites. Due to this variability, each patient must establish their own “normal” perfusion rate for a given location and use it for monitoring purposes.

Normal perfusion index levels

Perfusion Index

The perfusion index is a convenient way to tell you how strong your pulse is. If the value is less than 0.2%, it means that your hand is too cold or the position on the oximeter is incorrect.

Simply warm your finger and reposition it so that it is between the LED light and the sensor. There is no need to make a second guess to determine if the reading is reliable or why the pulse oximeter cannot give a reading.

SpO2 Waveform

Each wave corresponds to a heart beat and the amplitude corresponds to the amount of blood detected in your blood vessel. When the wave width is constant, the pulse oximeter is optimized and readings can be taken.

How to increase perfusion index?

Most of the time, perfusion index levels are monitored through the use of a pulse oximeter. In fact, the perfusion index can be used as an indicator of the reliability of the pulse oximeter reading.

If the perfusion index reading is less than 0.4%, it generally means that the oximeter reading may not be reliable. Common reasons for poor perfusion include diabetes, obesity, blood clots, and peripheral artery disease.

For these people, it is essential to have a reliable oximeter that is designed and suitable for low PI readings. In most pulse oximeters, a plethysmograph is available, and it is basically a graphical representation of perfusion index levels.