The technology of pulse oximeter has been in existence for long and was first made commercially available in the 1970s, when they were bulky and clumsy weighing up to 35lbs. By then, they were very uncomfortable to use and each unit was quite expensive, retailing at about $10, 000. The situation has drastically changed, one just needs a few dollars to acquire a fingertip model of a recording pulse oximeter.
The working of these devices relies on a very technical scientific principle. Oxygenated blood absorbs red light at 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. As such, the pulse oximeters are made of two light emitting diodes (660nm and 940nm) and two light collecting sensors. The light emitted from LEDs passes through the tissues and are then collected by the sensors that then measures mount of infrared and red light in it. This allows for recording and reporting on oxygen saturation level. Most of the pulse oximeters are able to deliver data n pulse rate, the level of oxygen saturation and cardiac output.
Even with the same working principles, different models differ in a number of ways. Most significantly though, there are critical differences where your selection criteria should be based on. It is advisable that the rice or brand name should not be the first issues to consider, but rather go deep and find out about their working.
To start with, the model must be FDA approved. Given that pulse oximeter falls in the class II classification of medical gadgets, it must have FDA approval before it can be sold to the public. Presently, the greater part of them have FDA approval, but just for confirmation, it is advisable to run through the FDA medical Device Database, enter the model name or manufacturer name and get details regarding its approvals.
Other than that, the issue of accuracy and dependability is very important. With the basic role of measuring the oxygen absorption rate and the pulse rate, the point is to get the devices that have the highest possible accuracy level with the most reliable readings. Most people compare the available options to those in hospitals so as to be sure of their dependability.
The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.
In addition the above mentioned features, there are several other features to look for in an oximeter. This includes its memory capacity, the possibility to connect with computers or phones for data processing. More so, the devices that have multi-person memory (store data for more than one person) are also considered superior.
Lastly, you should look at the battery life, the ease of storage, logbook, storage case and general appearance. This together with the software that it runs with matters a lot. If all measures are taken to select the best device, your health and that of family members will be better managed.
The working of these devices relies on a very technical scientific principle. Oxygenated blood absorbs red light at 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. As such, the pulse oximeters are made of two light emitting diodes (660nm and 940nm) and two light collecting sensors. The light emitted from LEDs passes through the tissues and are then collected by the sensors that then measures mount of infrared and red light in it. This allows for recording and reporting on oxygen saturation level. Most of the pulse oximeters are able to deliver data n pulse rate, the level of oxygen saturation and cardiac output.
Even with the same working principles, different models differ in a number of ways. Most significantly though, there are critical differences where your selection criteria should be based on. It is advisable that the rice or brand name should not be the first issues to consider, but rather go deep and find out about their working.
To start with, the model must be FDA approved. Given that pulse oximeter falls in the class II classification of medical gadgets, it must have FDA approval before it can be sold to the public. Presently, the greater part of them have FDA approval, but just for confirmation, it is advisable to run through the FDA medical Device Database, enter the model name or manufacturer name and get details regarding its approvals.
Other than that, the issue of accuracy and dependability is very important. With the basic role of measuring the oxygen absorption rate and the pulse rate, the point is to get the devices that have the highest possible accuracy level with the most reliable readings. Most people compare the available options to those in hospitals so as to be sure of their dependability.
The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.
In addition the above mentioned features, there are several other features to look for in an oximeter. This includes its memory capacity, the possibility to connect with computers or phones for data processing. More so, the devices that have multi-person memory (store data for more than one person) are also considered superior.
Lastly, you should look at the battery life, the ease of storage, logbook, storage case and general appearance. This together with the software that it runs with matters a lot. If all measures are taken to select the best device, your health and that of family members will be better managed.
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