Pulse Oximeter in our daily life
What is a pulse oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a small device that looks sort of like a chip clip or a big clothes pin. You place your finger snugly inside (most require nail side up), and within seconds it lights up with numbers indicating your blood oxygen level and heart rate. Most healthy people will get an oxygen reading around 95 to 98 percent. Some people with existing health conditions may have a lower normal reading. You should check in with your doctor if the number falls to around 93 or 92 or lower.The device will also show your heart rate. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from about 60 to 100 beats per minute, although athletes with a higher cardiovascular fitness will have a lower pulse.
How does a pulse oximeter work?
When you insert your finger into a pulse oximeter, it beams different wavelengths of light through your finger (you won’t feel a thing). It’s targeting hemoglobin, a protein molecule in your blood that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin absorbs different amounts and wavelengths of light depending on the level of oxygen it’s carrying. Your pulse oximeter will give you a numerical reading — a percentage that indicates the level of oxygen saturation in your blood. If you’ve been to a doctor in the past 20 years, you’ve experienced pulse oximetry.
The device works better with warmer hands than cold hands. And because oxygen levels can fluctuate, consider taking measurements a few times a day. Also try it in different positions, such as while lying flat on your back or while walking. Keep notes to share with your doctor if needed.
Steps in using pulse oximeter and information to note
1. Wash your hands before using the pulse oximeter. If your hand is not warm to touch, rest it on your chest for a few minutes.
2. Switch on the pulse oximeter.
3. Attach the pulse oximeter to your index or middle finger. Make sure the finger does not have any nail varnish or a false nail on it.
4. Read the displaying numbers when they stabilise and record the readings (oxygen saturation (SpO2) and the pulse rate).
5. Most people will read an SpO2 of 95% or above.
6. If it is 94% or below on two occasions (after taking a few breaths, and measure on a different finger), you have to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
7. If your reading is consistently 92% or below, please go to Accident and Emergency Department immediately.
medbase Pulse Oximeter:
