Why Use a Pulse Oximeter?

Anyone who has been in a hospital has likely seen those little medical devices that encompass the tip of a finger and are covered with numbers. This is called a Pulse Oximeter . It uses light to measure the wavelengths of the patient’s blood. It then calculates and displays the oxygen level of that blood. It may also monitor heart rate.

This all makes sense in the context of a hospital or doctor’s office. The design and use of home oximeters is more confusing. These devices are battery operated and portable. They usually have the ability to keep a record of the user’s oxygen levels for long periods of time.

The main advantage of using a pulse oximeter is that the only other way to test blood oxygen levels is by drawing a specimen and then running it through diagnostic tests. Oximeters are non-invasive and can provide constant monitoring of oxygen levels, which is simply impossible using the blood drawing method.

Pusle oximeters are especially useful with individuals who are experiencing cardiac or respiratory problems. They can be used at home by patients with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) as well as those with sleep disorders like sleep hypopnea or apnea. Other uses of pulse oximeters include monitoring mountain climbers while at high altitudes, pilots flying in non-pressurized atmospheres above certain heights, and even athletes exercising at peak levels.

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