How to use Pulse Oximeter?

Do you own an oximeter? … If so,
Do you know how and when to use it? … It could save your life.

Many of those who become ill experience a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels a day or two before their lungs fail.

Unlike many other respiratory diseases (asthma, for example), the pandemic virus can cause a severe drop in the level of oxygen in the blood without being associated with shortness of breath.

Because of this, people with this “silent hypoxia” are unlikely to seek the urgent help they need unless they regularly measure their blood oxygen level.

If they realize something is wrong, they may reach the hospital just in time to receive oxygen therapy (and, if necessary, ventilation). Others are admitted too late to save.

Blood oxygen level is one of the strongest predictions before becoming ill from the pandemic virus, and early oxygen improves survival.

So it’s time to learn how to use yours and what to do if you are low on oxygen.

Oxygen is carried in the blood attached to the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin exists in two forms, oxygenated and deoxygenated, which reflect light slightly differently.

An oximeter works by bouncing a beam of light against blood vessels close to the skin, typically in a fingertip, and using the reflected light to estimate the proportion of oxygenated to total hemoglobin.

To measure your blood oxygen level, turn on the oximeter and clip it on a warm fingertip (one without nail varnish). Wait five minutes until the reading has stabilized. Record the result and the time (either on paper or using an app).

You can buy an oximeter online for $ 20 – $ 30

Pulse Oximeter How to use?

The pulse oximeter is used both for the ongoing monitoring of hospitalized patients and to take a single reading at the time of consultation. The steps involved during the procedure of using a pulse oximeter are as follows:

• At first, the pulse oximeter is clipped on the person’s finger, toe, or earlobe.
• As it is a non-invasive test, no pricking is involved. But the person may feel slight pain or pinch due to clipping the medical device
• Turn on the pulse oximeter and within a few seconds, the device will collect accurate information and show readings of blood oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate.
• Once the reading is noted, the oximeter can be removed and it will shut down automatically.
• In some cases, the oximeter is left on for a certain period of time in which ongoing monitoring of oxygen saturation levels is required.

More on this story

Pulse Oximeters: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions