Uses of Fingertip Pulse Oximeters

A fingertip pulse oximeter is a great device that can be used for monitoring the oxygen level in the blood of a person. It also can be used for detecting the pulse rate of a person. Since this is a non invasive technique, this has found great acceptance among the doctors and patients alike. This is also the reason why people have been using this technique so much in recent times.

Some of the most common places where fingertip pulseoximeter has found their uses are mentioned below.

People with sleeping disorders

People with sleeping disorders like snoring, gasping can use this device for recording the oxygen levels at different times. Lack of oxygen in the blood often leads to such sleeping problems in an individual. With the help of this device, the readings can be taken and later analyzed to understand the oxygen levels. This will help the doctor to understand why the person had such issues. 

 

Patients in intensive care units

Patients in the intensive care units need to be kept under constant monitoring. A slight change in the health has to be immediately taken into account. For such patients, these devices are very helpful. Constant monitoring is possible. Alarm systems are provided with the device so that the doctors can be immediately notified if the patient is having any problems. Even readings can be later received from the device and then steps can be taken to provide good treatment to the patient.

People going on mountain treks

People who go for mountain treks also can have such devices with them. These devices enable them to understand the oxygen level in their blood and also understand the condition of their heart. With the help of these devices, they will be able to void any dangers caused by low oxygen level in their blood stream and have a good trip.

Kids at neonatal departments

Neonatal care sections also make use of such devices. This is simply because one can use them to detect the conditions of the heart and lungs of the kids. Kids with heart and lung problems are sent to such places. The doctors therefore have great duties of taking care of the kids and solving their problems. They can take hourly records and then analyze the problem that the child is facing. These devices are helpful because this is non invasive and will not frighten the kids. Many kids often are scared of needles. This device enables the doctors to take the readings and also ensure that the kid is not scared. That can also alter the readings. The doctor however must ensure that the device is placed correctly on the fingers. Or else the readings will not be accurate and this will hamper the treatment procedure too.

Therefore these are some of the places where fingertip pulse oximeters are used. They are extremely helpful in keeping track of the health of the person and also giving the person the correct treatment at the perfect time.

Advantages and disadvantages of Handheld pulse oximeter!

Handheld pulse oximeter is used for testing the pulse rate and also for measuring the oxygen saturation in the arterial blood. This device is used widely in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and operating rooms.

 Advantages of the device

• Some of the advantages of using this device are mentioned below. Firstly one does not have to draw out blood for the measuring of the oxygen saturation levels in blood stream of an individual. This is very helpful for those individuals who are afraid of giving blood for such tests. They simply can get the test done easily without having to fret much about the blood. 

• Secondly the readings can be done anywhere. The readings are also very easy to be read by an individual. Hence there is no time and space constraint when you are measuring your oxygen saturation or pulse rate. 

• Thirdly this device is extremely beneficial for the athletes and the pilots. They will be able to take note of their pulse rates before they actually faint. The pilots have to take the planes to high altitudes and they may experience low pulse rate. But with this machine they will be aware of it and can take matters into their own hands. 

• Fourthly the device is a boon for people with asthma or other pulmonary complications. These individuals require checking the oxygen levels as a slight reduction can cause their health to worsen. Without proper checking they may become vulnerable to serious problems, leading to many problems. By letting on the alarm in the system, the person can know when the blood level’s oxygen is low and steps can be taken simultaneously.

Disadvantages of using Handheld pulse oximeter

The disadvantages associated with the use of this device can be mentioned below.

• Firstly the device gives a ratio of the oxygenated and non-oxygenated blood in the body. There are chances that the accuracy level may get hampered when the change is beyond seventy percent.  

• Changing the battery at regular intervals is also required. Or else chances are you may end up with not so accurate readings. That will hamper the process of looking after the person with the problem. 

• One must also check the device when the reading goes below seventy percent. Or else you may end up with wrong readings which will hamper the personal well being of the patient that you have been entrusted with. 

• Keeping a few other things in mind will also help in getting better readings from this device. Cold fingers, using of dark nail polish, movements and low blood pressure can alter the measurement of the device and give inaccurate results. Artificial nails can also lead to inaccurate results. Hence make sure you check for these things before taking the measurement with this device.

Therefore having an idea of both the advantages and disadvantages will ensure that you can use this device to its maximum benefit and take care of the patient at hand in the best way possible.