A portable pulse oximeter helps to measure the degree of saturation of arterial hemoglobin with oxygen. The technology used is quite complex, but it implies two basic principles. First of all, the absorption of light by hemoglobin varies depending on the degree of oxygen saturation. In addition, the light flux passing through the tissues begins to pulsate due to a change in pressure with each contraction of the heart muscle.
The operation of this device is influenced by many different factors that must be taken into account when conducting surveys and measurements. All errors can lead to an incorrect result.
Principles of modern pulse oximetry
It has long been proven that the amount of oxygen in the blood has an effect on a person’s health and overall well-being. To measure and refine this indicator, a diagnostic method such as pulse oximetry is used.
This examination method helps determine the amount of oxygen in arterial blood. This is one of the most important factors affecting the metabolism of a person and, accordingly, on the quality of his life. If there is a lack of oxygen, then the human activity worsens.
Pulse oximetry does not mean determining the change in the level of oxygen, but indicates its amount in hemoglobin. For research, a special apparatus is used - a medical pulse oximeter. It is a sensor mounted on the earlobe or patient’s finger and connected to a computer. This method is considered quite high quality and reliable, therefore it is widely used for examining patients.
What is a pulse oximeter
What is this - a pulse oximeter and how it is used, is of interest to so many patients who want to independently monitor their health. Thanks to such a modern diagnostic device, it is possible to determine the oxygen content in arterial blood in a few seconds.
More advanced complex models of devices have additional functions, but the basic principle of the device remains unchanged. For each hemoglobin molecule, 4 air molecules are considered the best indicator. These data are mainly calculated as a percentage, and the norm is 95-100%. According to the OKOF classification, the pulse oximeter belongs to the category of medical and surgical equipment.
Such devices are used by the doctor during the treatment, and their indicators are required for an accurate diagnosis. In addition, they are in demand among athletes who are fond of heavy loads. Thanks to such a device, it is very convenient to monitor the general condition of the body during training, which allows it to be made more productive.
How to use a pulse oximeter
Many patients are interested in what a pulse oximeter is and how to use this device correctly. It is worth noting that it is quite easy to use, but when working with it, you need to follow certain rules in order to get the most reliable result.
Before using the device, you need to check the battery charge level. If it is low, the battery needs to be recharged. You need to wait for a few seconds, turning on the device, while it conducts a self-test.
Fix the sensor on the finger so that the fixation is reliable, but there is no excessive pressure. The finger nail, on which the pulse oximeter sensors are fixed, should be completely clean, without varnish, since its presence can distort the result.
You need to wait 5-20 seconds until the device processes the received data and displays the received data. In some cases, the pulse oximeter may give the wrong result, like any other electronic device, which is why it is necessary to additionally check them clinically.
The principle of operation of the device
Knowing what a pulse oximeter is and taking into account the basic principle of operation of this device, you can choose for yourself the required device that will fully comply with all requests. At first glance, such a small device has a rather complicated principle of operation. It consists of several main parts, namely:
- sensor with LEDs;
- microprocessor;
- display.
The sensors are configured in a certain way, so that when you turn on the device, they emit light passing through the tissues and absorbed by internal organs. The degree of absorption of radiation directly depends on the level of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin contained in the blood.
The received data is processed by a microprocessor and received on the display in the form of digital values ​​or in the form of graphs. The device remembers the previous values, which makes it possible to study the medical history.
What are the types of pulse oximeters
What is a pulse oximeter, and what types of devices are there - many patients ask this question. There are such types of devices as:
- stationary;
- waist
- scapular;
- monitors for sleep.
Stationary devices are used in hospitals, they are characterized by a significant reserve of memory and it is possible to connect to a monitoring station. They are supplemented by many different sensors, so they can be used to examine patients of different ages.
The most popular models are napalny or portable options that have a minimum weight, but at the same time they are not inferior in functionality to stationary devices.
Pulse Oximeter TM "Armed": main characteristics
Pulse oximeter "Armed", intended for single measurements, is in great demand. This device is widely used in a hospital, as well as at home, to monitor patients suffering from chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system and respiratory system. Pulse Oximeter YX 300 "Armed" is used in fitness centers to control physical activity, because at this time the muscles burn oxygen.
This device is characterized by a bright design, ease of operation, low weight and dimensions.
How to measure
You can buy a pulse oximeter in Moscow in specialized medical equipment stores and pharmacies. Before you start using the device, you need to study the instructions. It is important to remember that measurements are preferably carried out in darkened rooms, and a person must be in a static state.
In order for the device to show the most accurate result, it is imperative that the battery is fully charged when taking measurements, and if necessary, the device can be connected to the network. Sensors are mainly worn on the finger, sometimes attached to the earlobe. The result can be obtained in just a few seconds.
The main advantages of the product
A pulse oximeter has a lot of advantages, among which can be distinguished such as:
- it is possible to take measurements without connecting external sensors;
- has compact dimensions and light weight;
- it is possible to assess the state of the nervous system and blood vessels.
Thanks to the brightness control function of the display, it is possible to significantly save battery power. The presence of several display modes of the received information on it makes it easy to adjust the device to the highest possible level of convenience of measurements.
Thanks to the built-in sensor, it is possible to measure the level of oxygen in the blood under any conditions. Since there is a function for determining the heart rate, it is possible to indicate the limit of physical activity.
Pulse oximetry restriction
In patients who are in critical condition, this device is not able to accurately determine the level of oxygen content in hemoglobin. There are certain disadvantages of this product, among which can be distinguished such as:
- the presence of a pulse wave;
- inaccuracy
- bright light and various movements can interfere with measurement.
Disturbance of the results can provoke a violation of the heart rhythm. The age, gender and condition of a person have almost no effect on the examination.
If during the measurement an alarm sounds, then it is imperative to check the patient’s consciousness. Be sure to check the airway and the presence of a pulse on the central artery.
In addition, many other survey methods may additionally be applied.