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How A Recording Pulse Oximeter Works

By Marci Glover


Pulse oximetry is the process of measuring and monitoring the level of concentration of oxygen in blood. Recording pulse oximeter is the appliance used for monitoring. To work effectively, the sensor need to be placed across thin flesh. In grownup people fingertips or earlobes are the best whereas in infants limbs can do. The percentage of hemoglobin that has oxygen loaded to it is determined and the figure is displayed on a screen.

Good gadgets have in-built alarms. The alarms alert users when the level of oxygen in blood falls below a specific level by generating audible sound. This feature is very vital particularly at night when one is sleeping. Individuals with impaired or poor eyesight or problems with mobility also benefit from alarm systems.

Functioning of oximeters is based on disparity in light absorption. They have processors and two LEDs, which directly face a photodiode. The LED and the photodiode are separated by a light part of the body like earlobes. One LED is red in color and has a wavelength of 660nm while the second one is infrared with a wavelength of 940nm. The absorption of the LED lights by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin is very different. This is the working principle of the gadget.

The LEDs flash about thirty times in every second. High accuracy may be measured by the steadiness of the flashing. Good devices have high accuracy and have mechanisms for notifying users of incorrect readings. Users should also be notified of inaccuracies in readings because of interferences. Modern models come with computer interfaces that allow users to see recorded values better.

Recording oximeters are able to be incorporated into bigger systems, which monitor many parameters inside the human body. This ability is essential because multiple patient parameters can be recorded simultaneously. Portability and measurement of heart beats are the other features to check for when making a purchase. Battery life and discharge time are the primary factors for consideration in portable brands.

Not all models have the same capabilities. Most recent recording oximeters have Bluetooth technology incorporate in them to allow for exchange of information with other devices. They also maintain a record of data collected over a period of time to allow for analysis of oxygen concentration patterns in patients. The records can also be printed for further analysis, referral, or record keeping.

Features to check for when buying a device include capability to maintain data from multiple people, availability of accessories, and simplicity of storage. Common accessories include cases for storage, log books, and batteries. The gadget should be simple to use and the shape should be convenient. Buyers have flexibility in picking color of a product since they come in a wide range or color shades.

The manual that comes with the product should be read before the device is put to use. Manuals contain vital specifications concerning maintenance, handling, and storage. To avoid receiving false data, all malfunctions in the gadget must be rectified before use in future.




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