The oximeter, or ” pulse oximeter,” is a small medical device used to measure the degree of saturation in the blood. Saturation refers to the amount of oxygen present in the blood.
It is a non-invasive tool commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and rest homes. Still, it can also be easily used at home whenever there is a need to monitor the saturation value for problems or pathologies related to oxygenation levels such as lung disease (including chronic), bronchial asthma, or heart disease.
And yes, it can also be useful for measuring any effects of Coronavirus – Covid-19 (more on that below). In full health conditions, it can be used to control the level of oxygen in the blood in case of training, for example, in the mountains or for simple mountain excursions.
Why use the Oximeter?
By instantly assessing the oxygen level in the blood, the oximeter can help prevent respiratory diseases and, above all, their aggravation.
On the display of this device, you can view some data such as, for example, the degree of saturation, the heart rate, and the trend and intensity of the heartbeat that help to assess the person’s respiratory function by monitoring in real-time the worsening or not of chronic diseases such as bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, caused or not by external pollutants such as smoke or environmental pollution.
Some models allow you to archive data to compare them from time to time and have an instant overview of the patient’s health trend.
Pulse oximeter: How does it work?
The principle of operation of the pulse oximeter is quite simple: a probe measures while the result is displayed through a small calculation unit with a built-in display.
When we talk about a probe, we actually refer to a clamp containing two diodes and a photocell that receives the diodes’ light emitted. The oxygen in the blood is thus measured because the bound hemoglobin absorbs light only at certain wavelengths.
The difference between the diodes’ red and infrared light will respectively mean the difference between the non-oxygen bound hemoglobin and the bound hemoglobin, which absorbs mainly infrared light.
The device’s tweezers are applied to the end of the finger, to the earlobe, or to the wrist: all non-invasive areas, useful for this measurement. No strings, then! And no contraindications.
Pulse oximeter: How is it used?
The pulse oximeter is an instrument that can be used easily even at home, and no special precautions are required in this regard. The operation of measuring the oxygen level is much simpler and more practical than measuring the pressure that requires some extra care.
Then, check that the instrument is on and, if not, proceed with the ignition, position the probe where required (wrist, lobe, or finger), start, and wait for the measurement shown on display.
Pulse oximeter values
The results shown on the real-time display can be read in this way:
- Values above 96% up to 100% are considered normal.
- Values between 95% and 93% may indicate a situation of partial absence of oxygen.
- Values between 92% and 90% indicate an oxygenation level that is starting to be insufficient.
- Values below 90% indicate a serious deficiency situation.
Some people who suffer from chronic diseases normally have oxygenation values below 90%.
Features and Accessories
Since the oximeter is often used by elderly and/or sick people, before purchasing, it is also good to evaluate features that may affect the comprehensibility and use of the product: the easier it is to read, the easier it will be to understand.
It is important to evaluate the screen’s resolution level and its size and the lighting and colors. For example, those with vision problems can opt for a larger and well-lit screen: if it is also equipped with different colors to show the different data, it will be more readable and understandable.
In addition to appearance, other factors can also influence the purchase because they can make it more or less easy to use. For example, not all models allow you to store measurement data: those who need to compare them will need those models with extended memory.
Some models also allow continuous measurements over 24 hours but are only recommended for those suffering from diseases that must be constantly monitored. On the other hand, some accessory features may be Bluetooth and the ability to connect the product to the PC to download data.
Pulse oximeter and Covid-19
Not just masks! More and more often, we hear about oximeter/pulse oximeter associating it with Coronavirus: this happens because, as is known, the virus affects the normal course of the respiratory system, causing in some cases a severe form of interstitial pneumonia. Through saturation, it is possible to monitor the blood level in order to identify the appearance of any dyspnea promptly, that is to say, a strong difficulty in breathing.
Since there are different forms of respiratory failure, dyspnea is one of the most serious in this sense. With the oximeter, it is also possible to check a possible early reduction in oxygen level in the blood before this leads to something more serious.
It is certainly not as reliable as the swab test, nor does it tell us anything about the causes of any respiratory insufficiency. However, in an emergency, it is still an extra weapon, especially useful for reassuring oneself in the event of normal values.
The best pulse oximeter models to buy
Warning: in full Coronavirus emergency, the availability of online pulse oximeters is scarce, and prices can be higher than usual.
- ACCURATE AND RELIABLE - Accurately determines your SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation...
- FULL SPO2 VALUE - The ONLY LED pulse oximeter that can read and display SpO2 up to...
- SPORTS/HEALTH ENTHUSIASTS - For sports enthusiasts like mountain climbers, skiers,...
- ACCURATE AND RELIABLE - Accurately determine your SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation...
- SPORTS/HEALTH ENTHUSIASTS - For sports enthusiasts like mountain climbers, skiers,...
- EASY TO USE - Taking a reading is easy, just clip it on to your finger and turn it on...
- Peace of Mind: Dream Sock provides caregivers with a deeper understanding of their...
- FDA-Cleared: Dream Sock is the first-of-its-kind FDA-Cleared smart baby monitor and...
- Track Live Pulse Rate & Oxygen: View and track your baby’s pulse rate, oxygen,...
- 【FAST AND EASY TEMPERATURES READINGS】Taking your baby’s temperature with this...
- 【IDEAL FOR USE WHEN BABY IS ASLEEP】Trying to take a temperature reading can be a...
- 【MULTI-MODE THERMOMETER】The digital thermometer is designed for all ages, adults,...
- 【High Accuracy】Our Finger Oxygen Monitor features the research-grade...
- 【Instant to Start】Wear the oximeter to start. Measures blood oxygen saturation,...
- 【Warning Function】If your blood oxygen is lower or your pulse rate is...
- Accurate and Reliable - The Innovo iP900AP Finger Pulse Oximeter is a premium model...
- Plethymosgraph and Perfusion Index - Ensure accurate SpO2 and Pulse Rate readings....
- Upgraded Hardware and Software - Enhanced performance with internal upgrades. iP900AP...
- Multi-function Pulse Oximeter: oximeter can measure SPo2/perfusion index (PI)/heart...
- Accurate and Fast: The fingertip pulse oximeter can quickly monitor your body within...
- Easy-to-use: Click the button to power on the spo2 pulse oximeter. The real-time...
- FAST & RELIABLE RESULTS: Get results in 1 second with the Viproud Thermometer....
- EASY TO USE & PORTABLE: One-button control design, simply aim at the center of the...
- DUAL MODE & MULTIPLE USES: Viproud Thermometer is an all-in-one super practical...
- ACCURATE AND RELIABLE - Accurately determines your SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation...
- FULL SPO2 VALUE - The ONLY LED pulse oximeter that can read and display SpO2 up to...
- SPORTS/HEALTH ENTHUSIASTS - For sports enthusiasts like mountain climbers, skiers,...
- DESIGNED SPECIALLY FOR CHILDREN – Animal-themed pulse oximeter suitable for...
- SIMPLE AND EASY ONE-BUTTON OPERATION – Just put your finger into the chamber and...
- PATENTED MULTI-DIRECTIONAL DISPLAY – Choose from 6 different layout options for...
Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.