A slight fluctuation in the level of blood oxygen saturation can occur in every person. For a more accurate analysis of the changes in this indicator, several measurements will be correct. Further in the article, we will find out why fluctuations arise, how they are fixed and why it is necessary to control them.
Decreased blood O 2 : causes
Blood saturation with oxygen occurs in the lungs. Then O 2 is distributed to organs with the participation of hemoglobin. This compound is a special carrier protein. It is found in red blood cells - red blood cells. The level of oxygen saturation can determine the amount of hemoglobin that is present in the body in an oxygen-bound state. Ideally, the saturation level should be between 96-99%. With this indicator, almost all hemoglobin is bound to oxygen. The reason for its decrease may be severe forms of diseases of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. With anemia , the hemoglobin level is significantly reduced. In the case of exacerbation of chronic heart and lung diseases, a decrease in oxygen in the blood is also observed, therefore it is recommended to consult a doctor immediately.
Colds, flu, SARS, pneumonia, chronic bronchitis affect this indicator and report a severe form of the disease. During the examination, it is necessary to take into account some extraneous factors that affect the decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood and change indicators. Such are the movement of the hands or trembling fingers, manicure with the presence of varnish of dark tones, a direct hit of light. Among the factors, it should also be noted the low room temperature and closely located objects with electromagnetic radiation, including a mobile phone. All this leads to measurement errors during diagnosis.
Saturation - what is it?
This term refers to the state of saturation of liquids with gases. Medical saturation indicates the percentage of oxygen in the blood. This indicator is one of the most important and ensures the normal functioning of the body. Blood carries oxygen necessary for proper functioning to all organs. How to determine what saturation is in the blood? What will it give?
Pulse oximeter
Blood oxygen saturation is determined by a method called pulse oximetry. The device that is used in this case is called a pulse oximeter. For the first time this technique was applied in medical institutions in intensive care units. The pulse oximeter has become a publicly available tool for diagnosing human health. It began to be used even at home. The device is easy to use, so with it are measured some important indicators for life, including pulse and saturation. What is this device and how does it work?
The principle of operation of the equipment
A significant amount of oxygen in the body circulates in a hemoglobin-related state. The rest of it is freely carried by the blood, which is capable of absorbing light and any other substances. What is the principle of operation of a pulse oximeter? For analysis, it is necessary to take a blood sampling. As you know, many people don’t tolerate this unpleasant procedure. This is especially true for children. It is quite difficult for them to explain why saturation is determined, what it is and what is the need for it. But, fortunately, pulsoksometriya relieves of such troubles. The study is carried out completely painlessly, quickly and absolutely "bloodless". An external sensor that is connected to the device leans against your ear, fingertip, or other peripheral organs. The result is processed by the processor and the display shows whether oxygen saturation is normal or not.
Features
However, there are a couple of nuances. In the human body, two types of hemoglobin are distinguished : reconstituted and oxyhemoglobin. The latter saturates the tissue with oxygen. The task of a pulse oximeter is to distinguish these varieties of oxygen. There are two LEDs in the peripheral sensor. Red light beams emanating from one having wavelengths of 660 Nm come from one, infrared ones from the other, in which the wavelength is 910 Nm and above. It is because of the absorption of these fluctuations that it becomes possible to determine the level of oxyhemoglobin. The peripheral sensor is equipped with a photodetector, which receives light rays. They pass through the tissues and direct the signal to the processing unit. Further, the measurement result is displayed on the display, and here you can determine whether oxygen saturation is normal or if there are deviations. The second nuance is the absorption of light only from arterial blood. This is due to its ability to change its density, carrying out this simultaneously with changes in blood pressure. As a result, arterial luminous flux fluctuates significantly more. A pulse oximeter distinguishes light that has passed through an artery.