What are the pulse oximeters and how do we choose?
As a monitoring instrument, the pulse oximeter can measure our heart rate and blood oxygen level, some of which can be used as a separate device, and some can be used in conjunction with other devices. Although all pulse oximeters measure by the same principle and similar methods, there are differences between different types of devices in terms of measurement algorithms, blood oxygen sensor quality, alarms, and other functions. In addition, there are some external reasons that can affect the measurement. In order to minimize the influence of these factors, when choosing a pulse oximeter, we should choose the pulse oximeter with the best compatibility according to our needs to avoid inaccurate measurement results.
What types of pulse oximeters are there?
Console type pulse oximeter
Console-style pulse oximeters are slightly larger and heavier than others. Although this situation creates transport difficulties, it offers its own unique advantages - better measurements than other types of oximeters, commonly found in clinical use. These devices have advanced alarm systems. By setting, when the blood oxygen concentration is lower than the warning value, it will send out an alarm to remind the medical staff. Through special software, it is connected with the computer to facilitate the query of historical records.
Handheld pulse oximeter
Compared with the console type, the handheld pulse oximeter is relatively small and can be easily held in the hand. It can be fixed next to the patient, placed on a table or hung on an infusion stand. The measurement sensor is attached to the finger and connected to the device via a cable. Monitoring parameters and graphs can be watched through its screen. Devices with more storage capacity can upload data to the computer through software,
Wrist pulse oximeter:
Wrist pulse oximeters are often used by people who exercise regularly. The device part is worn on the patient's wrist like a watch, and the blood oxygen sensor for measurement is fixed on the finger and connected to the device by a cable. Even when the patient moves smoothly, neither the device nor the sensors are affected much by the motion. In addition, some of its memory variables can be used for sleep tests and worn on the wrist or ankle, which can record our data well without affecting daily life.
Finger clip pulse oximeter
The finger pulse oximeter is the most common and common blood oxygen measuring instrument. Inexpensive, easy to use, compact and lightweight design, low battery warning, and saturation and heart rate alerts. It usually adopts a clip-on design and can be worn directly on the finger.
How to choose the pulse oximeter suitable for the patient
When choosing a pulse oximeter, we should consider our purpose. Generally speaking, desktop monitors are commonly found in hospital clinics to monitor blood oxygen for patients in need. Its measurements are precise, but some of its features are a bit redundant for the average person. For personal daily use, wrist or finger oximeters are more suitable, and their prices are relatively more affordable and more suitable for daily use.
In addition to equipment, some external factors will also affect the measurement results:
The movement or shaking of the measurer
Skin pigmentation or excessive hair
The environment where the device is located is too hot or too cold
The patient's body is too hot or too cold
sensor quality
About the choice of blood oxygen sensor
Except for the integrated design of the finger clip pulse oximeter, other devices require a separate blood oxygen sensor to work with the device for measurement. To some extent, the quality of the sensor directly affects the measurement results of blood oxygen saturation. When using a compatible product, we must confirm whether it is compatible with our own equipment, otherwise, the blood oxygen probe cannot measure accurate results.