The technology of pulse oximeter has been in existence for long and was first made commercially available in the 1970s, when they were bulky and clumsy weighing up to 35lbs. By then, they were very uncomfortable to use and each unit was quite expensive, retailing at about $10, 000. The situation has drastically changed, one just needs a few dollars to acquire a fingertip model of a recording pulse oximeter.
The working of these gadgets depends on scientific principles commonly used. Oxygenated blood usually absorbs red light about 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. The oximeters are thus designed with two LEDs at 660nm and 960nm and two sensors to gather the same. Once emitted, the LED lights go through tissues from where given amount is absorbed depends on oxygen levels in the blood. The rest is detected by sensors that process it into readable data. Some of the information made available from the device include pulse rate, oxygen absorption rate and the cardiovascular data.
Even with the same working principles, different models differ in a number of ways. Most significantly though, there are critical differences where your selection criteria should be based on. It is advisable that the rice or brand name should not be the first issues to consider, but rather go deep and find out about their working.
To start with, the model must be FDA approved. Given that pulse oximeter falls in the class II classification of medical gadgets, it must have FDA approval before it can be sold to the public. Presently, the greater part of them have FDA approval, but just for confirmation, it is advisable to run through the FDA medical Device Database, enter the model name or manufacturer name and get details regarding its approvals.
The most significant aspect however is to find out is the device is able to give very accurate and reliable readings at its specific working range. The role is to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood tissue and the results are very useful. As such, your goal is to obtain the device that gives the best possible results. You can compare it with those used in medical facilities for its accuracy level.
The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.
Together with these, there are many other features that additionally contribute to optimal choice. These include the device memory and its ability to connect with the computer or a mobile phone to facilitate data analysis. There are those gadgets that have storage capacity for more than one individual. Such gadgets are considered to be better choice, particularly for the family.
The other issues include its battery life span, storage case, the logbook, its ease of storage, the general appearance and the software program in it. All these in addition to many other features can help select the best oximeter from the store.
The working of these gadgets depends on scientific principles commonly used. Oxygenated blood usually absorbs red light about 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. The oximeters are thus designed with two LEDs at 660nm and 960nm and two sensors to gather the same. Once emitted, the LED lights go through tissues from where given amount is absorbed depends on oxygen levels in the blood. The rest is detected by sensors that process it into readable data. Some of the information made available from the device include pulse rate, oxygen absorption rate and the cardiovascular data.
Even with the same working principles, different models differ in a number of ways. Most significantly though, there are critical differences where your selection criteria should be based on. It is advisable that the rice or brand name should not be the first issues to consider, but rather go deep and find out about their working.
To start with, the model must be FDA approved. Given that pulse oximeter falls in the class II classification of medical gadgets, it must have FDA approval before it can be sold to the public. Presently, the greater part of them have FDA approval, but just for confirmation, it is advisable to run through the FDA medical Device Database, enter the model name or manufacturer name and get details regarding its approvals.
The most significant aspect however is to find out is the device is able to give very accurate and reliable readings at its specific working range. The role is to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood tissue and the results are very useful. As such, your goal is to obtain the device that gives the best possible results. You can compare it with those used in medical facilities for its accuracy level.
The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.
Together with these, there are many other features that additionally contribute to optimal choice. These include the device memory and its ability to connect with the computer or a mobile phone to facilitate data analysis. There are those gadgets that have storage capacity for more than one individual. Such gadgets are considered to be better choice, particularly for the family.
The other issues include its battery life span, storage case, the logbook, its ease of storage, the general appearance and the software program in it. All these in addition to many other features can help select the best oximeter from the store.
