What is a Pulse Oximeter

Pulse oximeters are a commonly used medical device in all aspects of the health-care industry. They are also commonly known as a pulse ox. A finger pulse oximeter is a portable small device that is used to measure the percent oxygen saturation levels in the blood through un-invasive means. Pulse oximeters also take pulse rate readings as well with great accuracy. Hand Held Pulse Oximeters are used more in clinical settings, since they are able to store readings of patients while on the go.

The Workings of a Pulse Oximeter

The workings of a pulse oximeter are based on the latest processor chip technology, where accuracy is combined with portability. A pulse oximeter and the human respiratory system go hand and hand. Once oxygen is breathed in the lungs, it enters the blood and attaches to hemoglobin as a means of transportation in the bloodstream. The oxygenated blood then circulates to various tissues in the human body. To understand the workings of a pulse oximeter, it is important to understand that oxygenated blood absorbs light at different levels compared to deoxygenated blood. Pulse oximeters utilize the light absorptive characteristics of hemoglobin and the varying pulsating nature of blood flow to mesure oxygenation saturation levels.

Pulse oximeters consist of two (2) light emitting diodes and two (2) light collecting sensors, which are designed to measure the amount of red and infra-red light emerging from tissues traversed by the light rays. Oxygen-rich hemoglobin absorbs more of the infra-red light and the hemoglobin without oxygen absorbs more of the red light. Pulse oximeters calculate SPO₂ and pulse rate based on the variations of the infra-red and red light absorption. These readings are used by physicians to assess the amount of oxygen being carried in the blood and to the determine whether supplemental oxygen is needed for the patient.

Please Note: Pulse Oximeters Plus oximetry products including but not limited to fingertip pulse oximeter, hand held oximeters, sleep unit oximeters, and all accessories are not intended to replace a physician’s professional medical diagnosis or to cure any disease or ailment.