Pulse Oximetry

All about pulse oximeters

Pulse oximeters are medical devices used to measure and control the oxygen saturation level of the blood. Want to know everything about this popular device used by emergency physicians and doctors, as well as how to use a pulse oximeter? Here's our guide.

What is a pulse oximeter?

The pulse oximeter is a compact device that can save a lot of lives. The name of the product is made up of the words "pulse", "oxy" (short for oxygen) and "meter" (for measurement) and describes well the field of use of the pulse oximeter since it is used to measure and control the oxygen saturation level of arterial blood as well as to control the heart rate. It allows you to quickly and accurately determine your patient's oxygen supply and pulse rate. It is both a monitoring and a screening method.

Simply put, a hemoglobin molecule is made up of four iron atoms that can capture oxygen and distribute it in the blood. These two measurements represent two of the most important vital functions of the human body that require increased monitoring following anesthesia, rescue services and also during outpatient internist procedures. The pulse oximeter is also known as a saturometer.

The pulse should be taken on the central arterial pathways or on the peripheral pulse points depending on the situation. It will also allow analysis of the patient's circulatory permeability.

How does an oximeter work?

Oxygen deficiency can be fatal if it goes undetected for an extended period of time. Without the proper measurement method, oxygen deficiency is often diagnosed only after symptoms of cyanosis have already developed. The oximeter makes it possible to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood during auscultation before a malfunction has set in, such as a hemodynamic condition.

Previously, the measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood was always done by means of a blood gas analysis. The pulse oximeter has made this measurement easier and more reliable since its invention in the 1980s.

The operation of the pulse oximeter or saturometer is simple. Depending on the model of oximeter, it is attached to a well irrigated part of the body, for example on the fingertips(finger oximeter) or on another easily accessible area of the body such as the earlobes or the toes. It should be placed away from the heart to measure the efficiency with which oxygen is delivered. Always make sure that nails are not covered with nail polish to ensure an accurate analysis, as it can prevent the emitted light from being absorbed properly by the device. In addition, false nails can also distort the measurement and should be removed before using a pulse oximeter.

It is also possible to attach the pulse oximeter to the heel when measuring oxygen saturation in young children, allowing for a trouble-free diagnosis. The oxygen level is measured using a so-called photometric method. The pulse oximeter consists mainly of a light source and a sensor. The light source emits infrared waves that pass through the finger during the measurement. It is therefore the two beams of red and infrared light that will detect the oxygen level in the blood. The sensor then evaluates which parts of the light have not been absorbed. This absorption of light in the blood is influenced by the color of the hemoglobin. The color of the hemoglobin depends on the oxygen saturation of the blood: irrigated hemoglobin is light red, while non-irrigated hemoglobin is dark red.

Why use an oximeter?

Pulse oximeters are used in both the medical and private sectors because they are easy to use and provide reliable results. In medicine, they are mainly used in rescue operations, outpatient internist procedures and in anesthesia, where they are an integral part of standard patient monitoring. In addition, they enable healthcare professionals to diagnose insufficient oxygenation, for example in the case of an asthma attack or pneumonia. Portable oximetry devices are also available for ambulatory measurement. In sleep medicine, pulse oximeters are used, for example, for the diagnosis of sleep apnea.

In the private sector, pulse oximeters are used either for medical self-monitoring in the case of illnesses such as heart failure, chronic respiratory diseases or asthma, or during sports activities. Pulse oximeters provide the possibility to quickly assess the signs of potential acute mountain sickness (AMS) during high-altitude activities such as mountaineering, skiing or climbing. In addition, they are used in sport aviation to prevent hypoxia, commonly referred to as insufficient oxygenation, during high altitude flights.

It is also imperative to ensure a complete and accurate examination after the birth of a child in order to diagnose possible congenital heart defects as soon as possible. For this purpose, an oxygen saturation measurement should be performed no later than 24 to 48 hours after the birth of the child. For this measurement, the pulsometer is attached to the heel of the child and thus allows an accurate measurement. If there are any abnormalities, additional tests are required.

The advantages of pulse oximeters are various. It is a non-invasive, painless and risk-free method for patients. It provides real-time SpO2 values and offers the possibility of continuous patient monitoring and heart rate control.

What can an oximeter detect?

Normal values, i.e. for a healthy person, are between 97% and 100% oxygen saturation. For children and adolescents, the ideal value is 100%. The ideal oxygen saturation for adults is about 98%. A saturation of up to 90% is tolerated in the elderly. A value below the norm, depending on the age of your patient, may be due to an incorrect measurement or potential illness. Pulse oximeters are indispensable for an initial measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO2) as well as pulse rate in the medical field, e.g. in the emergency or intensive care unit. An additional blood gas analysis can lead to an even more accurate diagnosis.

This method is recommended because it is non-invasive, no blood is taken.Colorimetric oximetry is performed using a pulse oximeter, a small clip placed on one end of the body. Pulse oximeters are often used after anesthesia or in hospitals.

Order a pulse oximeter online at DocCheck

Do you want to buy an oximeter for your medical practice or clinic to ensure the health of your patients? Find the right pulse oximeter for your needs on the DocCheck store, whether it is a finger oximeter, a separate sensor for continuous measurement, a pediatric o ximeter or a portable oximeter. All oximeters in our store are from the best brands such as seca or Spengler and are available at the best price! In addition, we offer the right accessories for your diagnostic instrument. Are you looking for a simple device for heart rate measurement? Browse the ECG measurement category and find a wide range ofECG devices such as mobile ECG devices.

Our promise at DocCheck

As soon as you decide on the oximeter that best suits your needs, place your order online at the DocCheck store. We work to achieve the ideal compromise between high quality and an attractive price. Customer service is also our main concern. We ship your online order as quickly as possible to the address of your choice: to the clinic, the doctor's office or to your home.

Be careful with products sold on the internet, it is necessary to select products that have CE or FDA certification. These certifications guarantee the reliability of the equipment. The imperatives that we have set for ourselves with regard to our customers are to offer low prices, very good quality and a customer service that meets your expectations.

Are you looking for an oximeter that allows you to perform an optimal examination of your patient? Then DocCheck is perfect for you. We offer a wide range of sophisticated oximeters from internationally renowned manufacturers. So you are optimally equipped for high-quality examinations. Just place your order and we'll take care of the rest. No matter whether you are in a medical practice or a hospital, you are sure to find the right medical equipment for your needs on our website.