subject: How and When is a Pulse Oximeter Used? [print this page] How and When is a Pulse Oximeter Used? How and When is a Pulse Oximeter Used?
The pulse oximeter is one of the most ubiquitous medical devices. It is used in a huge variety of settings and spheres of medical care. It is incredibly useful whilst still being inexpensive and non-invasive.
Pulse oximeters are very simple to use. The devices consist of a probe which is attached to the patient's finger, toe or even earlobe. The probe is attached by a wire to a monitor which displays information such as level of oxygenation in the blood and pulse. A pulse oximeter is primarily aimed at measuring the level of oxygen in the blood. There are also smaller, at home version available which are usually powered by batteries and have a simple monitor built into the probe. These are designed to be portable, simple and easy to use at home by patients.
The device works by sending two different frequencies of light through the finger or toe where the probe is attached. One side of the probe sends the light and the other side of the probe receives it. The amount of light which reaches the other side of the probe is dictated by the level of oxygenated blood. In a fit and healthy person this would be between 95 and 99%, but patients with chronic lung disease may fall well below 90%.
The devices are used in many applications, notably surgery and recovery where they will detect hypoxia (low levels of oxygenated blood) before signs become visible. This of course allows problems to be treated before becoming serious. Pulse oximeters are also used on patients who are using mechanical ventilation to breathe. In these circumstances, the pulse oximeter can check that ventilation is working.
Patients who are undergoing long term oxygen therapy may have the efficiency of their therapy checked through the use of a pulse oximeter. Similarly the devices are an inexpensive way of diagnosing sleep apnoea, as low oxygen levels throughout the night would be indicative of the disorder. As the pulse oximeter attaches to the finger or toe, they are relatively undisruptive to the patients sleep, allowing them to have a normal night's sleep that can be monitored.
