The Crucial Applications Of Wrist Pulse Oximeters

By Marci Glover


Traditionally, oxygen saturation was measured invasely by drawing samples of blood. Oxygen saturation is simply the measure of the level of oxyhaemoglobing in the blood. The measure is especially important as it alerts on the level of blood oxygenation. The traditional means of measurement was inefficient as it was unable to equip clinicians with real time measurements. This ineffectiveness prompted the innovation of wrist pulse oximeters.

The modern oximeter technique is a non-invasive approach to the measurement of pulse rate and blood saturation in the arteries. Clinicians employ the method in ascertaining SpO2 in sedated, unconscious and unaesthetic individuals and in people that cannot control their own oxygen supply. Hospitals, operating rooms, homes and medical clinics make extensive use of this equipment.

The equipment is medically employed by patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema and other related respiratory conditions. In addition, it is used by individuals in quite high altitudes including pilots and mountain climbers in guarding them against hypoxia. Wrist Oximeters are also handy gadgets, especially for athletes during their training in high altitudes. The decline in oxygen level has the ability of increasing the amount of red blood cells in the arteries of the athlete and aids in increasing their endurance.

The benefits accruing from this crucial equipment are many and diverse. To begin with, they are quite mobile and portable, with no need for an external source of energy. They are appended to the wrist, which makes them convenient and portable for users requiring continuous monitoring. Also the measuring tools come in lightweight without cables which could otherwise be subject to interruptions by being tangled or caught.

When it comes to operation, the devices are not only easy to operate but also simple. No experienced or technical know-how is specified in their operation. However, the task of transferring the very data entails minor technical know-how. Reading the instruments is just a walk in the park. This is facilitated by their display, which is robust, making viewing pulse rate and saturation of oxygen rather easier. It is entirely contrary to the otherwise compact finger oximeter. These instruments have units incorporating a signal indicator for quality specifically on the display.

The gadgets are readily available and within the reach of many people. When compared with handheld and finger pulse Oximeters, they have favorable prices. Their services are appreciated widely and from all age groups, ranging from pediatric to adults. Multiple of them fit pediatric and adult population, according to the size of the finger and unit ability of the individual to use different sizes and types.

The equipment can also serve as data storage. An internal memory is incorporated into the gadget for storage of information. It is also possible to program them for readings within particular set time intervals to enhance drawing measurements about the heartbeat rate and saturation. With this utility, extensive heart rate and the oxygen content is recorded and a software can be installed on computers to enable them generate reports.

It is out of doubt that such instruments are state of the art innovations. However, their application should be carefully planned and monitored. Not all measurements call for a wrist pulse, particularly where alarms are required and when spot checking is the main service carried out. For alarm services, be sure to employ handheld and tabletop pulse oximeter types.




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