subject: What Is A Pulse Oximeter [print this page] The medical device market is an ever changing industry with new advances in technology leading to new devices on the market on a constant basis. The medical device industry consists of two aspects, home use and/or clinical use. Certain devices are designed to be used only in a professional medical setting, some for only at home, while others are designed to be used in both settings. We have seen this trend in devices where they start their life in the clinical setting and transition into the home some years later. We saw this with the blood pressure monitor, the glucose monitor, and even the thermometer. Now we have a new medical device to our home arsenal. A pulse oximeter.
A pulse oximeter, also known as a pulse ox by some, is a medical device that is used to measure the blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate of an individual. The blood oxygen saturation level is also known as the SPO2 reading, and is a good indicator of good or poor health. Especially certain conditions related to cardiac and respiratory systems such as asthma, COPD, and sleep apnea just to name a few.
An oximeter which is designed for home use is designed to clip onto an individual's finger. There are no cords or wires with the pulse oximeter since it is battery operated and all of its hardware and software are packed into a small body shell. Once the pulse oximeter is clipped onto the finger, it automatically turns on and starts to collect data via its laser, and within seconds of application it provides a reading for SPO2 and pulse rate. A pulse oximeter is also available with a color OLED screen for further ease of reading in all light conditions.
The pulse oximeter's offered to you are portable, easy to use and come with many accessories. Ensure that your oximeters are FDA approved and come with a user manual that is easy to follow. Many websites on the internet today supply more and more oximeter's but do your homework to ensure your oximeter that is affordable, lightweight, high quality and very easy to use.
