What is a pulse oximeter and why do we need a pulse oximeter?

By: Manan Updated On: May 8, 2021

Let’s first understand Pulse Oximetry and how is oximetry done?

Every organ in the human body needs oxygen to survive. Without oxygen, cells begin to malfunction and eventually die and it causes severe symptoms and ultimately leads to organ failure.

The oxygen gets distributed into the blood via hemoglobin proteins in red blood cells. These proteins provide oxygen to the rest of the body.

The process for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood is called Oximetry and the percentage of oxygen in hemoglobin proteins, called oxygen saturation (SpO₂). People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, very young infants, and individuals with some infections may benefit from pulse oximetry. The test is used in various medical conditions that affect the function of the heart and lungs.

Oxygen saturation indicates how much oxygen is getting to the organs. Normal oxygen saturation levels are between 95 and 100 percent. Oxygen saturation levels below 90% are considered abnormally low and can be a clinical emergency

Pulse Oximeters

Oximetry is done using an Oximeter. The oximeters most commonly used today are called pulse oximeters. A pulse oximeter is a photoelectric device that is specially designed for the process. Pulse oximeters are clip-on devices that measure oxygen saturation. The device attached to a finger to read blood flow.

Pulse oximeters are widely available to buy online.

It work by passing a small beam of light through transparent area of the skin. The light beam shines through to a detector positioned on the other side of the skin. The amount of light absorbed by the blood indicates the oxygen saturation. This is a painless process.

Pulse Oximeter able to tell you your oxygen saturation levels along with your heart rate.

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