Posted by : Moraliss Friday, July 25, 2014

By Rosella Campbell


Pulse oximetry is a measurement method used on patients to monitor O2 saturation in blood. This monitoring is done using a recording pulse oximeter. The gadget monitors and records any changes in the degree of oxygen concentration in blood cells and alerts the doctor. Notification can be in form of a sound and only happens when the level falls too low. Early medical intervention can therefore be done following the alerts.

Spectrophotometry is the main principle that the working of these gadgets bases on. This principle is dependent on the mode of absorption of red and infrared radiation by deoxygenated and oxygenated blood cells. These rates of absorption are recorded by the sensor and passed to the main machine for processing. The main machine gives fresh values at intervals of 0.5 or 1 seconds after processing. This high rate ensures high accuracy.

The gadget emits infrared and red lights from two light emitting diodes comprised in the sensor. When in use, the detectors and diodes should be opposite to each other. A tissue of about 5-10 mm should separate the detector from the diode. For this reason, the sensor of the oximeter must be attached onto thin tissues. Sensors are normally made to look like wraps or clips. According to recent findings, oxygen saturation is not effectively measured through earlobes.

These devices find use in any medical setting where blood oxygen saturation needs to be monitored at all times. Examples of such settings are operation rooms, recovery and treatment wards, emergency units, and intensive care. Accuracy of the readings is ensured by the patient staying calm and avoiding big moves. Devices that are able to record values are better because a history of values recorded within a given period can be maintained.

Besides determining oxygen saturation in blood cells, oximeters can be used in many other situations. First, blood gas analysis may be replaced with oximetry except in situations where PaCO2 or acid-base state is needed. When compared to other techques, oximetry is less painful, costs less, and is simpler to perform. In cases where the patient is conscious, this method has a high level of accuracy. Recorded values are used as standards and can be utilized in determining variations.

Oximeters also prevent wastage of oxygen supplied to patients by keeping usage only to required levels. Intrapartum fetal monitoring and neonatal care are the other areas of usage. Use in neonatal care and intrapartum fetal monitoring are not developed and standardized fully but soon they will. First aid in modern ambulances is provided by these devices. GP kits are progressively getting equipped with oximeters.

In primary care, these gadgets are useful in the diagnosis and management exacerbation of COPD in places. This method can also be employed in grading severity of asthma attacks. An attack is said to life-threatening if the reading falls below ninety two percent. Oximetry can also be used to assess and care for bronchiolitis in kids.

Recording oximeters cost a bit higher because of the additional capability. They are available at different prices depending on the level of complexity. They can be bought from any store that stocks medical equipment.




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