Why A Pulse Oximeter Can Benefit You

Before the invention of the pulse oximeter, oxygen saturation was measured with a method involving arterial blood gases or ABG

. Blood is drawn from a patients artery and analyzed afterwards. It measures exactly the oxygen levels but the actual procedure can be dangerous since doctors are getting blood directly from the artery. Among the complications that can arise are hematoma and laceration of the artery. Aside from the possible complications, its measurement usually takes several minutes. From drawing the blood, it needs to undergo a blood gas lab before the doctor can view it.

Because of the disadvantages of ABG, many doctors and patients have opted to use a pulse oximeter. There are many benefits from using this device. It is easy to use and the measurements are fairly accurate and gathered much faster than traditional methods.

One of the distinct features of the oximeter is that it can be easily used by anyone. Many versions that are commercially available come with a simple button that people press to start knowing the oxygen levels. You dont need to be accompanied by a doctor or a health professional to use it. There is no medical training required in performing an oxygen saturation using an oximeter. There are already portable versions that people can use everyday at any place. Small in size, it is commonly placed on the patients fingertip. Just make sure that the machine is calibrated correctly so that it can produce the right measurements.

To get accurate results from an oximeter, the patient must have good peripheral circulation. Oximeters attain the proper circulation by incorporating a perfusion gauge that measures how strong the circulation of the patient. The use of the ABG is still more accurate but an oximeter gives enough accurate information that doctors can use.

Probably the benefit of the pulse oximeter is the speed of measuring the oxygen saturation. Unlike the ABG which takes a lot of minutes, an oximeter takes only seconds to know the oxygen levels. This instrument is really useful in case of emergencies where the blood needs to be tested quickly.

These benefits are what makes people invest in a pulse oximeter. People who have a medical condition or athletes who do physical activities use them to measure their oxygen saturation easily, accurately, and quickly.

by: Jack Rogers

POST COMMENT

Grandmas hidden special BBQ wings recipe Things To Consider When Contracting A Builder Why sink when a Day Skipper can sail? 5 Upcoming Tablets To Watch For In Ces 2011 Save Nature Find What Makes Navy Seal Personals Tough Why Hunter Ceiling Fans Choosing The Perfect Men's Knitwear The Slum Which Cannot Be Found In Map How To Choose The Best Bag? One Move Changes Everything Remove The False Nails,if They Are Not Worth Brad Penny Puts Armando Galarraga, Tigers In Tough Spot