Measurement of oxygen saturation is one of the primary steps of patient care. This parameter of oxygen saturation (spO2) refers to the quantification of the concentration of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin in the blood in relation to the concentration of hemoglobin free from oxygen. Ideally, a person’s oxygen saturation should be between 95 to 100%. However, a low oxygen saturation indicates hypoxemia which can further lead to acute organ failure thus it is essential to measure it regularly, especially in patients suffering from lung disorders. In this regard, pulse oximeters are the most effective medical devices that can be employed to do this job. Let us understand how they work along with some of the best pulse oximeters available in the US market.
Statistics Regarding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the US
In the United States alone, approximately 34 million people are presently living with respiratory disorders as per the statistics provided by the American Lung Association. These disorders are inclusive of asthma, emphysema, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive clip-like device that is employed for the measurement of blood oxygen level as well as pulse rate. It works by getting attached to a body part, commonly to the finger. This way, an estimation of oxygen carrying ability of the blood particularly towards the limbs can be made.
Who Needs a Pulse Oximeter?
Pulse oximeters have high utilization with patients suffering from the following conditions:
● Asthma
● Pneumonia
● Lung cancer
● Anemia
● Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
● Heart attack or failure
● Congenital heart disease
Advantages of a Pulse Oximeter
Pulse oximeters provide the following advantages:
● Evaluation of the breathing capacity of the lungs
● Assessment of the efficacy of a new medication on the lungs
● Monitoring of oxygen levels in the body during a surgical procedure
● Determination of the need for oxygen supplementation in the patient
● Determination of a person’s capability to tolerate enhanced physical activity
● Assessment of the efficiency of a ventilator
Working on a Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter works on the principles of spectrophotometry. It does its job by measuring the alterations in light absorption by the blood. This is done by bombarding the finger with a light coming from the cold light source. Relative absorption of this light is estimated which gives away oxygen saturation.
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter?
As pulse oximeters are designed to be suitable for both inpatient as well as outpatient settings, these are uncomplicated to operate. The following steps should be kept in mind while using a pulse oximeter:
● The patient is asked to remove nail polish or any type of jewelry.
● Make sure the patient is fully relaxed and her or his hand is warm.
● Keep the hand below the heart level and clip the device to the finger. It can also be attached to the patient’s earlobe or toe.
● The pulse oximeter reads the oxygen saturation and displays it on LCD which should be recorded.
● Once the reading has been taken, the pulse oximeter should be removed.
Pulse Oximeters: Brands and Specifications
Among multiple brands which manufacture and market pulse oximeters as well as their accessories, the following are considered one of the best items:
● Masimo Rad 5 Pulse Oximeter
Masimo 9198-Rad 5 pulse oximeter is a handheld device that is known for its accuracy and reliability. It is lightweight, rugged, portable, and comes with a 30-hour battery life. Moreover, the battery is rechargeable and the device has a clear LCD display. The device is clinically proven and is ideal for continuous monitoring of oxygen levels in the blood.
● Masimo Pulse Oximeter Cable
Masimo 1814 patient cable for pulse oximeter cable is an FDA-approved device. It has a 14-pin connector which is triple-keyed and can be connected with multiple sensors. The cable is 2.2 meters long which provides comfort and flexibility during movement. Moreover, the construction material of the oximeter cable is completely latex-free and thus is non-irritant to the skin.
● Masimo Oximeter Sensor
Masimo 1969-oximeter digital sensor comes with a 12-inch cord as well as a 14-pin connector. The cable length is 3.65 meters (10 feet). The sensor is connected to an adjustable hinge which allows it to be attached with various finger sizes. The product has high accuracy as well as durability and is reusable.
● ConMed Reusable Finger Clip Pulse Oximeter Sensor
ConMed CNM-2010 reusable finger clip pulse oximeter sensor can work with oximeters from multiple brands. It has a heavy-duty spring action which enables it to work efficiently. It has a 9-pin male connector with a cable length of 36 inches (91 cm). Its weight is only 0.45 kg (1 lb) and the dimensions of 4”x 2”x 6” are present.
The pulse oximeters as well as their accessories mentioned in this article, along with many other medical supplies, can be purchased from the Health Supply 770, a reliable name when it comes to medical products. They have a 30-day money-back guarantee and provide your products to you in the shortest possible time. Click the link at the end of the article to check the wide range of pulse oximeters on the website.
Conclusion
With an increase in respiratory disorders, many people face issues with their oxygen saturation. Thus, it is essential for such people to take regular measurements of their blood oxygen levels and record them.
Pulse oximeters come in handy in this regard as they not only give accurate and reliable readings but are also lightweight and portable devices. Their suitability to be used in both home settings as well as within hospitals has made them a product of choice for many.
Purchasing medical devices from reliable vendors like Health Supply 770 ensures the provision of quality products along with satisfactory services.
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Masimo Rad 5 Pulse Oximeter
Masimo Pulse Oximeter Cable
Masimo Oximeter Sensor
ConMed Reusable Finger Clip Pulse Oximeter Sensor
PhD Scholar (Pharmaceutics), MPhil (Pharmaceutics), Pharm D, B. Sc.
Uzma Zafar is a dedicated and highly motivated pharmaceutical professional currently pursuing her PhD in Pharmaceutics at the Punjab University College of Pharmacy, University of the Punjab. With a comprehensive academic and research background, Uzma has consistently excelled in her studies, securing first division throughout her educational journey.
Uzma’s passion for the pharmaceutical field is evident from her active engagement during her Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program, where she not only mastered industrial techniques and clinical case studies but also delved into marketing strategies and management skills.
