The Abcs of Oximetry
The fields of Medicine and Technology are perhaps two of the most utilized branches of Science today
. Constantly these two fields intertwine and collaborate to give us breakthrough methods and devices that provide convenience on top of medical benefits.
One of the helpful byproduct of the collaborative forces of Medicine and Technology is the oximetry. Prior to the invention of high-tech oximeters that you can see in the market today, doctors check their patient's body oxygen level or hemoglobin saturation by taking out blood samples from the artery and analyze its content. Despite its out-dated process, some hospitals and experts still use this type of method especially during emergencies or first-aid care for patients in great trauma. However, this procedure eats up a lot time and proven to be quite dangerous if done without following the correct steps.
On the other hand, oximetry proved its great dependence to provide a fast, safe, and no-body-trauma procedure of knowing the blood oxygen saturation. Although manual procedure of counting Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) provides more accurate details, oximetry offers the arterial saturation of oxygen (SaO2) on the patient in the quickest way while assuring that they do not undergo any further medical conditions.
However, it is important to remember that while oximeters do provide by-the-second information and are quite indispensable during emergencies, there are cases when the said method is not applicable. Some chronic conditions like the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) make oximetry readings unreliable due to the nature and treatment of the disease. With COPD the body struggles to ventilate and therefore becomes less sensitive to the rising CO2, despite the presence of oxygen sensors (baroreceptors) that detect low oxygen levels in the arterial blood - which also triggers the medulla oblongata to increase the rate and depth of breathing.
Oximetry becomes unreliable too when the patient is highly-exposed to carbon monoxide, because the high-reading is just due to the saturation of carbon oxide in the hemoglobin. Too many or too few red blood cells can also cause misreads, which defy the normalcy of oxygen available in tissues. In short, despite the oximeters' capability for quick and efficient readings, the measurement of the amount of oxygen in the blood varies, depending on the given circumstances.
One great thing about oximeters is virtually anyone can use it. Little to no training is needed to perform pulse oximetry. Most oximeters have only one button and as long as the probe is placed properly, almost anyone can use it. In their infancy, oximeters were the size of old cassette recorders and just as cumbersome. The newest generation of oximeters is streamlined, rugged and even easier to use. Furthermore, they are now available for home use.
ABG measurements, though exact, require blood drawn from an artery, which can lead to complications ranging from hematoma to laceration of the artery. Pulse oximetry is performed on a fingertip and measures through the nail bed. As long as the oximeter is used properly and is calibrated regularly, it is easy to use and usually reliable. Good peripheral circulation in the patient's extremities is critical to obtaining accurate readings, and most oximeters on the market incorporate a perfusion gauge, usually in LED bar lights, that shows the strength of the patient's peripheral circulation. When a strong pulse is not present in the hands or feet, readings can be made with a special adhesive probe placed on the patient's earlobe or even the bridge of the nose.
Aside from other major complications from the patient's body that could make the reading quite inaccurate, oximeters can really be handy and effective device which has a lot of advantages to offer. If you're ready to acquire one, be sure you check out a trusted brand that most hospitals and doctors would prescribed. Visit the official website of Concord Health Supply, Inc. which offers top quality medical equipment and supplies for a reasonable price.
The Abcs of Oximetry
By: Mariecarz David
Fusion Splicer Ocala inn is the place for you Points Of Criticism About Seo Windscreen replacement The Benefits Of Using A Paye Calculator Bold mongoose works the photographer as observation post How To Submit To Regional Directory What Is Otdr? Here's A Quick Fix I have an appointment with Herve Leger tonight! Fabric of Success Gain A Space-age Foam Bed Without The Expense Cabanas En Puebla, El Truco Para Escoger Cabaa En Puebla