What is the pulse oximeter?
It’s an electronic device that clips onto a patient’s finger to measure heart rate and oxygen saturation in his or her red blood cells—the device is useful in assessing patients with lung disease.
Pulse oximeter's demand grew when people learned that low oxygen saturation levels can be a sign of COVID-19. Shortness of breath and low oxygen levels are just two possible symptoms of COVID-19, and it’s important to know all of the symptoms
It is an easy, painless device that can measure how well oxygen is being sent out to parts of your body furthest from your heart, such as arms and legs? Well, what you need is an oximeter. This is used to help you determine whether you need extra oxygen in your body.
You can use this in many kinds of situations such as:
1. During or after surgery or procedures that use sedation.
2. To see how well lung medicines are working.
3. To check a person's ability to handle increased activity levels.
4. To see if a ventilator is needed to help with breathing, or to see how well it is working.
5. To check a person has moments when breathing stops during sleep (sleep apnea).
How does a pulse oximeter work?
When you insert your finger into a pulse oximeter, it beams different wavelengths of light through your finger (you won’t feel a thing). It’s targeting hemoglobin, a protein molecule in your blood that carries oxygen. Hemoglobin absorbs different amounts and wavelengths of light depending on the level of oxygen it’s carrying. Your pulse oximeter will give you a numerical reading — a percentage that indicates the level of oxygen saturation in your blood.
The device works better with warmer hands than cold hands. And because oxygen levels can fluctuate, consider taking measurements a few times a day. Also try it in different positions, such as while lying flat on your back or while walking. Keep notes to share with your doctor if needed.