2. Adults are aware of the fact that their heart rate can be
monitored, and sometimes this is necessary. Most also
know how to measure their pulse in the conventional
way by finding it in various parts of the body. Less
commonly known is the meaning of oximetry, which is
the way to determine how much oxygen the blood
contains. Equipment has been designed to measure
oxygen levels, such as the wrist pulse oximeter.
3. Oximeters are equipment with various designs, and
mostly they are found in large health institutions, such
as hospitals. Nurses and doctors will use them in the
critical care units and in the emergency department of
the facility; and possibly in other areas as well. However,
people also need the device outside of a hospital, and
this is why they have been created in the form of a
wristwatch. They will be needed when someone is in
danger of their oxygen levels falling below an acceptable
range.
4. The oximeters that can be used at home are of a
convenient size, and are easy to operate. They are also
quite reliable, and are able to store information for
more than three days. You will just need to clear the
device of stored data when the memory is full,
otherwise it will not work. If you are considering buying
a medical device such as this one, you can feel rest
assured that it is safe to use, as it has been accepted
under the requirements of the FDA.
5. Persons who would like to monitor their heart rates and
their oxygen levels at home, while they study or while
they sleep, will find these devices ideal. Persons who
would like to monitor their asthmatic condition may
consider using them as well. Oximeters, including the
wristwatch variety, have a non-invasive probe that
produces red and infrared light. They are usually shined
onto a finger, toe or earlobe.
6. Although a large amount of the light is taken in by body
tissue, the bit that is not will show the hemoglobin
saturation levels. The reading is shown in a percentage,
and a healthy level of oxygen is indicated at between
ninety-five and ninety-eight percent. It is still fine if the
level of oxygen reaches as low as ninety percent, but
below this level the patient will need to receive oxygen
for respiratory distress relief. The body's cells are unable
to function properly when oxygen levels are this low.
7. There are certain ways that someone's oxygen levels
should be measured with oximeters to ensure that the
device's readings are more accurate. Firstly, oximeters
can only work when the pulse of the patient can be
easily detected, and is strong. The reading will not be
accurate with a weaker heart rate, and for patients with
irregular heartbeats.
8. The patient who requires the test should also not be
moving around, as motion could cause the device to give
an unreliable response. The light is disturbed by
movement. The device should not be used around other
very bright lights, as this could effect its own light. One
reading is often not sufficient to determine an accurate
level of oxygen.
9. Computer programs will need to be purchased along
with the wrist pulse oximeter, but they are easy to find.
The long battery life and the fact that they can be used
even whilst wearing nail polish are additional
advantages. They will also have a guarantee of quality.
