Using A Handheld Pulse Oximeter

Answer 1

A handheld pulse oximeter is a medical instrument that is used to measure a patient's blood oxygen level. This device is small, portable and utilized to pinpoint heart and respiratory conditions that can cause breathing problems. The blood's oxygen levels usually decreases when a patient develops breathing difficulties.

Arterial blood gases and handled pulse oximeters are the two methods used for measuring blood oxygen levels. Even though many hospitals have large pulse oximeters, the handheld varieties are better suited for most medical settings because they are able to be easily transported. Portable oximeters are not difficult to use and are ideal for patients who need to monitor their own oxygen levels at home.

Depending on the particular manufacturer, handheld pulse oximeters work slightly different. The majority of these devices attach to a screen and come equipped with a finger probe. There are two light beams inside of the oximeter. One light beam is red and the other one is infrared. Both of the beams work together in order to detect the patient's pulse and measure their blood oxygen level.

Getting an accurate reading is important so patients must remove their fingernail polish before using a pulse oximeter. While the finger probe is able to put on any finger, it is recommended to use either the ring finger or index finger. Patients must keep still while using the pulse oximeter because finger movement may give an inaccurate reading.

Other issues that may give an inaccurate reading include an unsecured finger probe and poor circulation. Cold fingers tend to give a weaker pulse that the portable pulse oximeter may not be able to detect. In these cases, a warm towel can be put over the patients hands for several minutes in order to warm the fingers. Afterward, the blood oxygen level test can be retried.

Even though the finger is the best area of the body from which to get a reading, handheld pulse oximeters can also be used on the toe or earlobe. The majority of pulse oximeter devices have a flashing indicator light that runs only while obtaining a reading. Most readings take five seconds to appear on the oximeter's screen.