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.