A Brief Guide To Understanding Pulse Oximeter Better
Pulse oximeters are generally, like other medical supplies, found in doctor’s offices and hospitals. But now, with the rise in COVID-19, people have bought this equipment home for use. Pulse oximeters help you keep track of your blood oxygen saturation from the comfort of your home. It is a small device that quickly and painlessly measures the oxygen saturation level.
How does a pulse oximeter work?
One thing about pulse oximeters that are actually called over-the-counter (OTC) oximeters is that they are made for home use; they are easier to use for people who are not healthcare professionals. These oximeters are smaller in size meant for spot-checks; they are cheaper and easier to use. Some of these OTC oximeters even have special features that suit your day-to-day needs.
The device typically has a clip-like design; you have to attach them to your finger, toe or earlobe. Pulse oximeters use beams to measure your blood oxygen levels. Unlike the conventional method where you have to get your body part pricked, these beams pass through your blood in that area.
Technically, a pulse oximeter determines the percentage of oxygen in the blood as it shines light through the attached body part to analyze the amount of light that passes through the blood. However, the amount of light absorbed by the blood differs depending on how oxygenated the blood is.
What are pulse oximeters used for?
Your blood oxygen level becomes a determining factor of how well the heart pumps oxygen throughout the body. This makes it a critical device in hospital settings; it can quickly alert doctors of low oxygen levels in patients. It helps doctors assess the need for oxygen in patients, making them respond well to supplemental oxygen. However, in the face of covid-19, these devices are proving to be life-saving. Buy pulse oximeters in Canada from trusted sellers to be used at home for monitoring and providing peace of mind. It can be used by people with conditions that may cause them to experience periods of low oxygen levels.
These conditions include anaemia, asthma, pneumonia, lung cancer and more such diseases. Even doctors prescribe a pulse oximeter to people with these conditions to monitor oxygen levels while exercising, travelling at high altitudes or taking medication.
Pulse oximeter and covid-19
Pulse oximeters are playing a massive role in the covid era. Patients suffering from covid can experience a sudden drop in blood oxygen levels without experiencing shortness of breath. The use of a pulse oximeter could alert you when this drop occurs in the blood oxygen levels before it gets severe. However, it is not a replacement for a consultation with a health professional. Plus, the low saturation of oxygen in the blood is not the only symptom of COVID-19.
Note — If you use a pulse oximeter, it is vital to be conscious of other coronavirus symptoms alongside. Consult your doctor in case you experience these symptoms despite the device showing you healthy blood oxygen levels.
Why is it necessary to keep your blood oxygen level in check?
When your blood oxygen levels are low, it becomes hard for your body to pump oxygen to your cells and tissues. The lowered blood oxygen level declines your bodily functions and puts an extra strain on your heart and brain. It is crucial for people with chronic conditions to check their blood oxygen levels on a regular basis. With the proper knowledge, you can get supplemental oxygen or required medical care to prevent cells and tissue damage.
Consider these factors when you want to find the right pulse oximeter.
- Physical characteristics
- Monitoring duration
- Movement of the patient
- Mitigating cross-contamination
- Use of certified sensors
Where can you get a pulse oximeter?
In some cases, even doctors prescribe you or may provide you with the pulse oximeter if they believe monitoring your oxygen levels at home is mandatory. Apart from that, you can easily find them on the market or even online. Medic supplies are known for selling wholesale medical supplies Canada-wide.
Pulse oximetry is an easy and non-invasive method of checking your oxygen saturation levels, and it allows you to take action before other symptoms occur. Make sure you talk to your doctor first before you start using a pulse oximeter so as to receive the maximum benefits.
Read more about oximeters - Using Pulse Oximeters - Tutorial By WHO