What Is A Pulse Oximeter?
The pulse oximeter is a small, dainty, light-weighted device that is used to measure the amount of oxygen present in the blood. The device does not hurt. To monitor the oxygen flow in your blood, the device is instructed to attach to the fingertip. The next, two-wavelength of light has been sent through the finger to measure it.
What Should Be The Normal Oxygen Level?
The Blood Oxygen Saturation that is SpO2 is the estimation of the quantity of oxygen in the blood. If the SpO2 gives readings of 95% or more than it is considered as a normal oxygen level. However, the SpO2 reading of 92% or less (at sea level) is taken as a poor saturated body.
Where Can Pulse Oximeter Be Attached?
Before jumping to the areas, keep this in mind it is a clip-like object and it does not hurt. It just passes the light wavelength to your body. The following are the places where possibly it can be attached
- Fingertips (most common)
- Toes
- Ear Lobes
Under What Condition The Pulse Oximeter Is Used?
As said, the Pulse Oximeter is a device that is used to monitor the amount of oxygen in the blood. So, here are the most possible conditions where you might come across with this device.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Heart attack or heart failure
- Anemia
- Lung cancer
- Congenital heart defects
- Pneumonia
- Asthma
However, there are a few more cases where Pulse Oximeter is used:
- To estimate if a person needs help in breathing
- In order to measure the accuracy and how helpful the ventilator is
- During or after surgical procedures to monitor the oxygen level especially to ones that require sedation
- To monitor the lung meditation
- If a person comes across with increased physical activity, to check if the person can handle it
How Accurate Is The Reading Of The Device?
Most of the time, the readings are accurate. But keeping in view the air resistance, waveform, human error, or any sort of other error the reading may fluctuate to plus/minus 2.
How The Pulse Oximeter Is useful in COVID19?
Without a doubt, each one of us aware of the current pandemic situation caused by Coronavirus or COVID19. Moreover, we are now fully aware of the symptoms, causes, risks, and more. The coronavirus is an infection that lives in the lungs and it fills the lungs with fluid or in simpler words, pus. Moreover, it is certain that a person in novel coronavirus might be at the early stages and faces no breathing issues.
So, here is the catch. The Pulse Oximeter is like a savior it can ensure you whether there is a problem or not. Moreover, if you feel shorten of breath then it is better to use to go for a check-up. Because there are many cases registered who were feeling uneasiness in breathing and took is casual and ended up in a critical situation.
Video Credits: Doctor Mike Hansen
Important Note:
The aforementioned rubrics are for guidance. In case of any emergency or unusual condition, you are advised to consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Afsheen Gohar believes in the power of clear, straightforward writing. Her blog posts tackle everyday topics with relatable insights and easy-to-follow advice. With a conversational style, she makes complex subjects feel understandable. She’s dedicated to sharing knowledge and empowering readers to take action. Find her latest posts on trending in social.
