Pulse oximeter - what is it? Principle of operation and application

Pulse oximeter portable helps to measure the degree of saturation of arterial hemoglobin with oxygen. The technology used is quite complex, but it implies two basic principles. First of all, the absorption of light by hemoglobin varies with the degree of saturation with oxygen. In addition, the light flux, passing through the tissue, begins to pulsate due to the change in pressure with each contraction of the heart muscle.

The operation of this device is influenced by many different factors, which must be taken into account when conducting the survey and measurement. All errors can lead to the wrong result.

Principles of modern pulse oximetry

It has long been proven that the amount of oxygen in the blood has an effect on the person's working capacity and overall health. To measure and refine this indicator, this method of diagnosing, such as pulse oximetry, is used.

This method of examination helps to determine the amount of oxygen contained in the arterial blood. This is one of the most important factors affecting human metabolism and, accordingly, the quality of life. If there is a lack of oxygen, then the vital activity of a person.

Pulse oximetry does not imply a determination of the change in oxygen level, but denotes its quantity in hemoglobin. For the study, a special device is used - a medical pulse oximeter. It is a sensor that is attached to the earlobe or finger of the patient and is connected to a computer. This method is considered to be sufficiently high-quality and reliable, therefore it is widely used for conducting a survey of patients.

What is a pulse oximeter?

What is it - a pulse oximeter and how it is used, is of interest to very many patients who want to control their own health independently. Thanks to such a modern diagnostic tool, it is possible in a few seconds to determine the oxygen content in the arterial blood.

More advanced complex models of devices have additional functions, but the basic principle of the device remains unchanged. The optimal indicator is for each molecule of hemoglobin - 4 molecules of air. These data are mainly calculated as a percentage, and the rate is 95-100%. According to the OKOF classification, the pulse oximeter belongs to the category of medical and surgical equipment.

Such devices are used by the doctor during the therapy, and their indicators are required for an accurate diagnosis. In addition, they are in demand among athletes who are keen on heavy loads. Thanks to this device it is very convenient to monitor the overall condition of the body during training, which makes it more productive.

How to use a pulse oximeter

Many patients are interested in what a pulse oximeter is and how to use it correctly. It should be noted that it is quite simple to handle, but, working with it, you need to follow certain rules in order to get the most reliable result.

Before using the device, you need to check the level of battery charging. If it is low, then the battery needs to be recharged. It is necessary to wait for several seconds, turning the device on while it is conducting a self-test.

The sensor should be fixed to the finger in such a way that the fixation is reliable, but there is no excessive pressure. The finger nail, on which the sensors of the pulse oximeter is fixed, must be completely clean, without varnish, as its presence may distort the result obtained.

It is necessary to wait 5-20 seconds, while the device will process the received data and display the received data. In some cases, the pulse oximeter may produce an incorrect result, like any other electronic device, which is why it is necessary to further test them clinically.

Principle of operation of the device

Knowing that this is a pulse oximeter and considering the basic principle of the operation of this device, you can select for yourself the required device, which will fully meet all the requests. At first glance, such a small device has a rather complex operating principle. It consists of several main parts, namely:

• Sensor with LEDs;
• Microprocessor;
• Display.

The sensors are configured in a certain way, so that when the device is turned on they emit light passing through the tissues and absorbed by the internal organs. The degree of absorption of radiation directly depends on the level of oxygen saturation of hemoglobin contained in the blood.

The received data are processed by the microprocessor and come to the display in the form of digital values or in the form of graphs. The device remembers the previous values, which makes it possible to study the medical history.

What are the types of pulse oximeters

What is a pulse oximeter, and what kinds of devices are there - many patients ask this question. There are such types of devices as:

• Stationary;
• Belt;
• Napalechnye;
• Monitors for sleep.

Stationary devices are used in hospitals, they are characterized by a significant margin of memory and there is an opportunity to connect to a monitoring station. They are complemented by a variety of different sensors, so they can be used to examine patients of different ages.

The most popular models are napalechnye or portable versions, which have a minimum weight, but at the same time in functionality not inferior to stationary devices.

Pulse oximeter of TM "Armed": main characteristics

The pulse meter "Armed", used for single measurements, is in high demand. This device is widely used in hospital settings, as well as at home to monitor patients suffering from chronic pathologies of the cardiovascular system and respiratory organs. Pulse oximeter YX 300 "Armed" is used in fitness centers to control physical activity, because at that time muscles burn oxygen.

This device is characterized by a bright design, easy operation, light weight and dimensions.

How to measure correctly

You can buy a pulse oximeter in Moscow in specialized stores of medical equipment and pharmacies. Before proceeding with the use of the device, it is necessary to study the instruction. It is important to remember that it is desirable to carry out measurements in darkened rooms, and a person must necessarily be in a static state.

In order for the device to show the most accurate result, when performing measurements it is absolutely necessary to fully charge the battery, and if necessary, the device can be connected to the network. Sensors are mainly worn on the finger, sometimes attached to the earlobe. The result can be obtained in a few seconds.

The main advantages of the product

Pulse oximeter has a lot of advantages, among which you can distinguish such as:

• It is possible to carry out measurements without connecting external sensors;
• Has compact dimensions and light weight;
• There is an opportunity to assess the state of the nervous system and blood vessels.

Thanks to the brightness adjustment function of the display, it is possible to significantly save battery power. The presence of several modes of displaying the information obtained on it makes it possible to easily adjust the device for the maximum possible level of convenience of measurement.

Due to the built-in sensor it is possible to measure the level of oxygen in the blood under any conditions. Since there is a function of determining the heart rate, it is possible to designate the limit of physical exertion.

Restriction of pulse oximetry

In patients in critical condition, this device is not able to accurately determine the level of oxygen in the hemoglobin. There are certain shortcomings of this product, among which one can distinguish such as:

• Presence of pulse wave;
• Inaccuracy;
• Bright light and various movements can interfere with measurement.

To provoke the distortion of the results obtained may impair the rhythm of the heart. Age, gender and condition of a person almost have no effect on the survey.

If an alarm sounds during the measurement, it is necessary to check the patient's consciousness. It is necessary to check the patency of the airways and the presence of a pulse on the central artery.

In addition, many other survey methods can additionally be used.