Pulse oximetry is important in many situations making it necessary to carry the device everywhere. Recording pulse oximeter is an oximetry device used for measuring the level of saturation of blood oxygen and the rate of heart beat. The word recording is used because the device is able to record and maintain a list of values in memory. Memory is normally in form of a computer, which runs the software that accompanies the device.
With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.
Alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the 2 types of batteries in these devices. Alkaline batteries cannot be serviced because they come already fixed in the oximeter. They can last many years, but they must be replaced when they eventually degrade. The affect the accuracy and performance of the device greatly once they start failing. The life of some models is also limited due to lack of replacement batteries.
On the contrary, rechargeable batteries last longer making them cost effective. The only service they need is recharging, when power runs out. Charging is even more convenient because it can be done when the gadget is in use. Some recent oximeter models are however capable of using both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. This provides much flexibility to the user in terms of power sources. Such models are better than those that are specific in the battery type they can use.
Devices with alarm systems have added advantage because they are life-saving. The life-saving capability comes in because the gadget can be set by the user to notify them upon the occurrence of certain events. For instance, the user gets notified when their blood oxygen saturation level or heart rate falls or rises beyond a given level. This feature can be very vital for people under critical medical conditions.
The display is the interface through which the user is able to understand the values measured by the instrument. The display should be readable and clear enough to be seen without much trouble. Cheap models have standard LED displays, but the expensive models have better displays. The display should also be able to show other data such as battery level, perfusion index, pulse meter and waveform, and menus among others.
Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.
Cost is dependent on quality and features incorporated in the device. Quality should not be traded for cost when making a purchase because that can be dangerous. Some of the most accurate devices cost very highly.
With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.
Alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the 2 types of batteries in these devices. Alkaline batteries cannot be serviced because they come already fixed in the oximeter. They can last many years, but they must be replaced when they eventually degrade. The affect the accuracy and performance of the device greatly once they start failing. The life of some models is also limited due to lack of replacement batteries.
On the contrary, rechargeable batteries last longer making them cost effective. The only service they need is recharging, when power runs out. Charging is even more convenient because it can be done when the gadget is in use. Some recent oximeter models are however capable of using both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. This provides much flexibility to the user in terms of power sources. Such models are better than those that are specific in the battery type they can use.
Devices with alarm systems have added advantage because they are life-saving. The life-saving capability comes in because the gadget can be set by the user to notify them upon the occurrence of certain events. For instance, the user gets notified when their blood oxygen saturation level or heart rate falls or rises beyond a given level. This feature can be very vital for people under critical medical conditions.
The display is the interface through which the user is able to understand the values measured by the instrument. The display should be readable and clear enough to be seen without much trouble. Cheap models have standard LED displays, but the expensive models have better displays. The display should also be able to show other data such as battery level, perfusion index, pulse meter and waveform, and menus among others.
Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.
Cost is dependent on quality and features incorporated in the device. Quality should not be traded for cost when making a purchase because that can be dangerous. Some of the most accurate devices cost very highly.
