Pulse oximeter – what is it and why is it useful?

With the coronavirus pandemic raging outside, a real wellness boom has begun - almost every home can now find a small medicine cabinet full of various medicines, vitamins and health monitoring devices. However, one device that was only found in health institutions until recently is currently gaining popularity at an extremely rapid pace.

What is a pulse oximeter and how does it work?

A pulse oximeter is a small device that fits in the palm of your hand or in your handbag that can be used to quickly and easily measure your heart rate and blood oxygen level (SpO2). The device works by using two different wavelengths of light. Infrared and red light penetrate through tissue to a photodetector that measures arterial oxygen saturation and pulse rate. [1] A pulse oximeter is very easy to use – just place the device on your fingertip and watch the result appear almost instantly on the screen. It is also suitable for both adults and children.

Types of pulse oximeters

When choosing a pulse oximeter for personal use in your home, you are faced with a variety of device models. All types of devices - both stationary, plugged into a socket, and portable, fitting in the palm of your hand - measure the same indicators, but a compact finger pulse oximeter with an integrated display will be best suited for a home medicine cabinet. Due to its simple convenience and ease of use, a finger pulse oximeter can be used by all family members.

Correct use of a pulse oximeter

Using a pulse oximeter is very simple - just place the device on your fingertip and hold it for a short time. After a few seconds, the data displayed on the screen will inform you about the level of oxygen saturation of arterial blood and heart rate. However, it is necessary to pay attention to side factors that can distort the test data:

• Nails – nail polish (especially dark ones) or artificial nails can distort the results;
• Temperature – for accurate readings, proper blood circulation is essential. If your fingers are cold, it will slow down, which may result in inaccurate results. Before using a pulse oximeter, warm your hands by rubbing them together or soaking them in warm water;
• Smoking – the body of smokers absorbs much less oxygen, so data inaccuracies are possible.

Benefits of a pulse oximeter

Blood oxygen saturation and heart rate (HR) are some of the indicators that determine a person's overall health level, so a pulse oximeter on a finger is a great choice for those who want to easily monitor their health. Pulse and blood oxygen level indicators can quickly indicate heart rhythm disorders, breathing that is too fast or too frequent, and other deviations from the norm of healthy indicators.

Normal blood oxygen saturation levels are between 95 and 100 percent. If your resting oxygen level is below 92 percent on three consecutive occasions, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical attention for possible more serious health conditions. [2]

A pulse oximeter is also a useful device for people with heart problems or who want to monitor their heart rate while exercising. The normal resting heart rate depends on a person's age:

For newborns up to 3 months: 100 - 150 beats per minute;

For babies from 3 to 6 months 90 – 120;

For babies from 6 to 12 months: 80 – 120;

For children from 1 to 10 years old 70 – 130;

For children from 10 years and adults 60 – 90. [3]

If the pulse rate rises above these values, weakness, dizziness, and difficulty breathing may occur. The device also displays a pulse wave on the screen, which can clearly indicate heart rhythm disorders.

Pulse oximeters are also extremely useful for respiratory diseases. Monitoring blood oxygen levels not only helps to monitor the stability of the condition during illness, but also to detect early warning signs of deterioration in health.

A fingertip pulse oximeter is an easy-to-use device that can be useful in any home. Regularly monitoring your pulse and blood oxygen saturation levels can not only help you improve your health, but also prevent more serious illnesses.

Sources:

[1] Jubran A. Critical care

[2] Professor Vytautas Kasiulevičius, family physician at Santari Clinics.

[3] Šeškevičius A., Kriukelytė D., Gulbinienė J. Nursing technique.