Portable Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Portable Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

In relation to COVID-19, the term "pulse oximetry" is commonly used online and in news articles. But what exactly is it?

Basically, pulse oximetry is a painless, non-invasive technique for measuring the oxygen saturation of a person's blood.

Oxygen saturation is an important indicator of how effectively the lungs are working. Our lungs deliver oxygen to the capillaries, which are microscopic blood vessels, when we breathe in air. These capillaries then send oxygen-rich blood to the heart, which then pumps the blood through the arteries to the rest of the body. 

To work effectively, our organs need a constant flow of oxygen. If the lungs' ability to pump oxygen into the blood is compromised, the oxygen saturation of the blood drops, putting our organs at risk.

This drop in oxygen saturation can be quickly detected by a pulse oximeter and warns the user that immediate medical attention is needed.

You have probably had your blood oxygen saturation checked with a pulse oximeter if you have ever had a check-up or been to a doctor for medical treatment. The use of home pulse oximeters has increased recently due to the spread of COVID-19, which can cause large drops in blood oxygen saturation. (Some people have bought pulse oximeters to monitor their blood oxygen levels because they are afraid of getting COVID-19 or are concerned that they already have it).

How accurate are oximeters?

The accuracy of most pulse oximeters is between 2% and 4% of actual blood oxygen saturation. As a result, the reading from a pulse oximeter may be 2% to 4% higher or lower than the actual oxygen concentration in arterial blood.  

The performance or accuracy of a pulse oximeter can be affected for a number of reasons. The red and infrared light emitted by the device can be blocked by nail polish and artificial nails. In addition, some dyes used in medical or diagnostic procedures can prevent the light from passing through. Erroneous readings can also be caused by excessive movement, such as shaking or trembling.

The accuracy of pulse oximeters can also be affected by a person's use of tobacco and other factors such as skin temperature and thickness. 

How does it work?

A pulse oximeter is a tiny electronic device that attaches to a part of the body, usually a fingertip. The device emits light that can pass through blood, tissue, skin and fingernails. A sensor on the opposite side of the finger detects and counts the amount of light that passes through the tissue and blood without being absorbed. The device uses this measurement to determine the oxygen saturation of the blood.

Pros & cons of a pulse oximeter

Pulse oximetry has several advantages over more conventional techniques for measuring blood oxygen levels. Traditional methods often involve taking an arterial blood sample, which can be uncomfortable for patients and takes at least 15 minutes to analyse. In contrast, pulse oximetry is non-invasive and provides results almost immediately. In addition, because pulse oximeters can be used continuously, they can be used to monitor a person's blood oxygen levels over time.

At the same time, arterial blood gas measurements and other traditional techniques are more accurate than pulse oximetry. In addition, it does not provide as much information about other blood gases (such as carbon dioxide) as tests that draw blood directly.

Different Types of Portable Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

• Below mentioned are the various types of pulse oximeters-
• Best for multiple display options: Innovo Premium iP900BP Pulse Oximeter
• Best for ease of use: Walgreens Pulse Oximeter
• Best for children and adults: CVS Health Portable Pulse Oximeter
• Best for portability: Metene Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
• Best for budget: Contec CMS50DL Pulse Oximeter
• Best for easy-to-read results: ChoiceMMed Pulse Oximeter

Portable Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Uses

Pulse oximeters are used in a wide range of healthcare settings today. They're widely used in general practice to quickly assess a person's general health, such as during a standard physical examination. In fact, the use of pulse oximeters has grown to the point where blood oxygen saturation is often referred to as the "fifth vital sign", a measurement used in conjunction with the other four vital signs - temperature, blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate - to provide information about a person's health.

Pulse oximetry is most commonly used outside general practice to monitor patients with lung and heart disease who are at risk of low blood oxygen levels. It is typically used in clinical settings in the following circumstances

• Need to monitor patients before, during and after surgery, including anaesthesia
• To monitor people who are taking certain medications that can make their lungs and breathing less efficient
• To assess the lung health of people with conditions that can reduce blood oxygen levels, including COPD, asthma, ARDS, anaemia, pneumonia, lung cancer, cardiac arrest and heart failure.
• To assess people with sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea
• Home users of pulse oximeters have typically been those with documented lung disease.

Best Manufacturers of Portable Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Below mentioned are some of the best portable fingerprint oxmeters

• Zacurate Fingertip Pulse Oximeter    
• MIBEST Fingertip Pulse Bar    
• Beurer PO30 Pulse Oximeter    
• Dr Trust Professional Series Fingertip Pulse Oximeter