A pulse oximeter (also called pulse or finger oxygen monitor) is a medical device that enables anyone to monitor and measure the levels of oxygen in their body without requiring a direct blood sample. Oxygen is important for a person’s health. Human cells only function if there is enough oxygenation in the body. Oxygenation is the measure of oxygen saturation in a person’s hemoglobin.
An oxygen monitor usually seems complicated and expensive to many. This modern medical device is in fact simple and easy to use, providing fast and reliable results at an affordable price. The blood oxygen monitor is one of the greatest medical advancements for the past years, making the monitoring of oxygen levels accessible to anyone who needs it.
Traditionally, people who ought to determine their blood oxygenation used to go to a clinic or hospital and ask a medical professional to get a blood sample from them. The nurse pricks the patient and uses the blood sample for analysis. This process usually takes several minutes― even hours― before the results are identified, not to mention, of course, the effort it requires and the pain it gives to some. Thanks to blood oxygen monitors, this is no longer a requisite scenario.
A blood oxygen monitor is usually lightweight and compact. The device is small so it can fit a finger or an earlobe where it is normally attached. It can even be clipped on a t-shirt or be kept in a pocket so one can still have it anywhere he wishes to go. This gadget uses a LED (light emitting diode) which measures the change in the absorption of red and infrared wavelengths in the blood. It is also specialized to determine one’s pulse rate which is related in identifying how effective the heart is in supplying oxygen all throughout the body.
Pulse oxygen monitors can be used by anyone who needs them and those who simply want to monitor their oxygen levels. For people with respiratory and cardiac problems, this medical device is indeed important. They can easily determine if they have a suitable supply of oxygen in their system anytime, anywhere. Heart difficulties can affect the distribution of oxygen in the body. A pulse oximeter can aid one with cardiac obstacles to monitor the development of his medications, therapies and surgical measures.
Likewise, anyone who undergoes exhausting activities (like athletes and workers) can easily determine if he has enough oxygen to fuel whatever he’s doing; and verify if his activity has reached beyond his respiratory limit. Through the help of an oxygen monitor, immediate actions will be applied and further casualties may be prevented.
