Pulse oximetry is currently of great importance and some people are forced to carry an oximeter everywhere they go. Recording pulse oximeter is one of the models of oximetry devices used to measure blood oxygen saturation and heart beat. The device has the capability to store all values captured over time in a memory hence the name recording. A computer that is running the software that is sold together with the device serves as the memory.
With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.
Batteries normally come in 2 types, that is, alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Alkaline batteries come permanently fitted in the gadget and cannot be serviced. They are capable of lasting several years, but they eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When they start failing, they can cause a major degradation in performance and accuracy of the device. Some models may also not have replacements for the battery shortening their life span.
Rechargeable batteries on the other hand are very durable and cost effective over time. They only need to be recharged when they discharge. Charging can be done even when the instrument is in use making the batteries even more convenient. There are however some models of oximeters, which can use both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. Going for such models can offer an added advantage.
Devices that incorporate alarm systems have life-saving capability. The user can program the gadget to alert them when certain events take place. For example, the device notifies the user through an alarm when blood oxygen saturation or heartbeat rises or falls below a certain level. Such notifications are important to the health staff when a patient is under a life threatening medical condition.
All values recorded by the gadget are presented to the user through the display interface. The display chosen should be clear and readable with minimum effort. Expensive models normally have superior displays as opposed to LED displays in cheap models. Additional data like battery level, pulse meter and waveform, menus, and perfusion index should also be displayed.
Bluetooth and other wireless capabilities allow the gadget to automatically download recorded values on a computer. The download can be set to happen at predetermined time intervals. This ensures that no data is lost and a record of values is maintained for future use and reference. Such capabilities are useful to health workers in homes because they can keep track of the blood oxygen saturation and heart rate in a patient without disrupting them.
The features and quality of a product dictate its price. Quality should not be overlooked for cost when buying and oximeter. That is because poor quality can cause problems in sensitive cases. It should be known that high accuracy devices cost a lot.
With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.
Batteries normally come in 2 types, that is, alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Alkaline batteries come permanently fitted in the gadget and cannot be serviced. They are capable of lasting several years, but they eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When they start failing, they can cause a major degradation in performance and accuracy of the device. Some models may also not have replacements for the battery shortening their life span.
Rechargeable batteries on the other hand are very durable and cost effective over time. They only need to be recharged when they discharge. Charging can be done even when the instrument is in use making the batteries even more convenient. There are however some models of oximeters, which can use both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. Going for such models can offer an added advantage.
Devices that incorporate alarm systems have life-saving capability. The user can program the gadget to alert them when certain events take place. For example, the device notifies the user through an alarm when blood oxygen saturation or heartbeat rises or falls below a certain level. Such notifications are important to the health staff when a patient is under a life threatening medical condition.
All values recorded by the gadget are presented to the user through the display interface. The display chosen should be clear and readable with minimum effort. Expensive models normally have superior displays as opposed to LED displays in cheap models. Additional data like battery level, pulse meter and waveform, menus, and perfusion index should also be displayed.
Bluetooth and other wireless capabilities allow the gadget to automatically download recorded values on a computer. The download can be set to happen at predetermined time intervals. This ensures that no data is lost and a record of values is maintained for future use and reference. Such capabilities are useful to health workers in homes because they can keep track of the blood oxygen saturation and heart rate in a patient without disrupting them.
The features and quality of a product dictate its price. Quality should not be overlooked for cost when buying and oximeter. That is because poor quality can cause problems in sensitive cases. It should be known that high accuracy devices cost a lot.