Pulse Oximeter

What is a Pulse Oximeter:

A pulse oximeter is a small medical device used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood and pulse rate in a non-invasive and painless way. It's commonly clipped onto a thin part of the body, like a fingertip, toe, or earlobe.

Features of a Pulse Oximeter:

1. Accurate Measurement of Oxygen Level

A pulse oximeter can quickly and accurately shows the oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels in the blood. This a helpful tool to monitor your health and very easily keep an eye on your respiratory status. 

2. Real-time Heart Rate Measurement

A pulse oximeter also shows your heart rate (which shows abbreviated beats per minute) on the screen. This gives you knowledge of your cardiovascular activity. 

3. Non-intrusive and Painless

A pulse oximeter is easy and painless to use. It simply clips onto your finger and gives your immediate readings unlike needles or other devices that will cause you pain. 

4. Compact and Portable

Most pulse oximeter models are small and light enough for you to store one in your pockets or take it in a bag. Ideal for use at home, on the go or while traveling. 

5. Easy to Read Displays

Most pulse oximeter models feature bright LED or OLED displays, which let you see the measurements easily

Parts of a Pulse Oximeter:

1. Sensor Probe

The sensor probe is the part of the pulse oximeter that attaches to your finger, toe, or earlobe. Inside the sensor probe are the most important parts that give you your blood oxygen levels and pulse rate.

2. LED Light Emitters

Inside the sensor of a pulse oximeter, there are red and infrared LED lights. They send light through your skin, which helps the pulse oximeter measure how much oxygen is in your blood.

3. Photodetector

In a pulse oximeter, the photodetector captures the red and infrared light that is transmitted through your finger. This device detects changes in light absorption to determine your oxygen saturation levels.

4. Display Screen

A pulse oximeter has a clear LED or OLED screen that displays the readings (i.e. SpO2, pulse rate, and on some oximeters) a waveform or pulse bar.

5. Control Button

Most pulse oximeter models will have a simple one-touch control button that turns the device on or off and toggles display options.

How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work?

Clipping onto the Finger: The pulse oximeter is clipped onto a thin part of your body, usually the fingertip. It contains a light source and a sensor.

Light Emission: The device emits two types of light — red light and infrared light — through your finger.

Light Absorption by Blood: Your blood absorbs light differently depending on how much oxygen it contains.

• Oxygen-rich blood absorbs more infrared light and less red light.
• Oxygen-poor blood absorbs more red light and less infrared light.

Detection by Sensor: The sensor on the other side of the pulse oximeter detects how much of each type of light has passed through your finger.

Calculation by Microprocessor: The pulse oximeter’s internal microprocessor uses this data to calculate the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in your blood and your pulse rate.

Display of Results: Within a few seconds, the screen of the pulse oximeter shows your oxygen level (in %) and heart rate (in BPM)

Uses of Pulse Oximeter:

Takes Blood Oxygen Levels (SpO₂) Measurements

It measures how much oxygen is in your blood to provide helpful information about your respiratory health.

Monitors your Heart Rate

It shows your pulse (beats per minute) to help you monitor your cardiac health.

Detects Low Oxygen Levels Early

When used correctly, it provides early alerts to patients and doctors of dangerously low oxygen saturation before severe symptoms occur.

Utilized in Hospitals and Clinics 

These devices are widely utilized around the world in emergency rooms, intensive care units, and in some surgical procedures to monitor patients.

Helpful for those with Lung Problems

It allows those with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or COVID-19 to monitor their oxygen levels at home.

Advantages of Pulse Oximeter:

Determine any Breathing Issues 

People who have asthma, COPD, or other respiratory problems use pulse oximeters to identify drops in oxygen levels before any related symptoms manifest.

Monitor Recovery for Illness

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pulse oximeters became a staple in homes, providing a way for those infected to monitor their oxygen levels regularly and determine when to seek medical attention.

Useful for Heart Patients 

People who have heart problems look at their pulse oximeter to see how well their heart is able to circulate oxygenated blood around the body.

Great to Have at High-Altitude Locations

While people that travel, hike, or mountaineer in higher altitude areas where the oxygen is more thin can use a pulse oximeter to help check levels of oxygen.

Understand the Pulse Oximeter Price:

This is the most common question doctors ask our team when exploring our Pulse Oximeter  is “What is the price of the Pulse Oximeter..

And we reply simply, the price varies depending on the models In India, the starting price of Pulse Oximeter starts from ₹20,000 and it goes up to ₹3,25,000.

Top Models of Pulse Oximeter:

Maintenance Tips for Pulse Oximeter:

Keep the Pulse Oximeter Clean

Regularly wipe down the surface of the pulse oximeter with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, use the cloth dampened with a small amount of mild soap, but do not use alcohol or any harsh chemicals directly on the instrument.

Avoid Exposure to Direct Sunlight and Heat

When not in use, your pulse oximeter should be stored in a cool, dry environment. Excess heat or direct contact with sunlight can damage the internal displays and sensors.

Check and Replace Batteries

The pulse oximeter probably uses AAA batteries, and you should replace the batteries when the display dims or it beeps that the battery is low. Always make sure to use fresh, good quality batteries for best results.

Keeping the Sensor Area Clean

The place where the pulse oximeter clips to your finger needs to be free of dust or residue. Clean it to keep the light sensors functioning correctly, but be careful that you don't damage it in the process.

Do not Drop or Shake the Oximeter

The pulse oximeter is a delicate device, and with care in handling, it shouldn't break. Don't drop or shake the device because it may throw off the accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is a pulse oximeter used for?

A pulse oximeter is used to measure the oxygen saturation (SpO2) level in your blood and your heart rate (pulse). It's helpful for people with lung conditions, heart disease, COVID-19, asthma, or anyone monitoring their respiratory health.

How does a pulse oximeter work?

A pulse oximeter works by passing red and infrared light through your finger. It then measures how much light is absorbed to calculate your blood oxygen level and pulse rate.

What is a normal reading on a pulse oximeter?

• Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): 95% to 100% is considered normal.
• Pulse Rate: 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults (can vary depending on fitness level and activity).
• Who should use a pulse oximeter?

Anyone with a medical condition affecting the lungs or heart can benefit from a pulse oximeter. It's also useful for athletes, mountaineers, and individuals recovering from respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 or pneumonia.

How much does a pulse oximeter cost?

The price of a pulse oximeter in India ranges from ₹700 to ₹2,500, depending on the brands, models, and features.

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