Pulse Oximeter: Difference between revisions
Kapil Narale (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
Kapil Narale (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
== Introduction (what is the pulse oximeter) == | == Introduction (what is the pulse oximeter) == | ||
A Pulse Oximeter is a handheld device used to measure one's oxygen saturation. Pulse Oximetry is the process of using the device to measure the oxygen saturation. | A Pulse Oximeter is a handheld clip device used to measure one's oxygen saturation. Pulse Oximetry is the process of using the device to measure the oxygen saturation. | ||
Due to its portability, it can easily be used at rest, and can also be used during exercise. | Due to its portability, it can easily be used at rest, and can also be used during exercise. | ||
Pulse oximeters can be used in critical care settings, like emergency rooms and hospitals, used to monitor patients before, during, and/or after <u>rehabilitation exercise therapy</u>, or can be used in the home setting. | |||
=== Usage === | |||
=== The Device === | === The Device === | ||
The pulse oximeter is a gentle clamp, which provide two digital readings: your heart rate, and oxygen saturation. <ref name=":0">American Lung Association. Pulse Oximetry. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/pulse-oximetry#:~:text=The%20pulse%20oximeter%2C%20or%20Pulse,be%20reused%20or%20disposed%20of. (accessed on 7 May 2022)</ref> | The pulse oximeter is a gentle clamp, which provide two digital readings: your heart rate, and oxygen saturation. <ref name=":0">American Lung Association. Pulse Oximetry. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/pulse-oximetry#:~:text=The%20pulse%20oximeter%2C%20or%20Pulse,be%20reused%20or%20disposed%20of. (accessed on 7 May 2022)</ref> | ||
It is placed around the fingertip, and the outputs are displayed within seconds. The device consists of a cold light source which shines a light through the fingertip. The device analyzes the light that is passing through the fingertip, and will determine the percentage of oxygen in the red blood cell. <ref name=":0" /> | It is placed around the fingertip, and the outputs are displayed within seconds. The device consists of a cold light source which shines a light through the fingertip. The device analyzes the light that is passing through the fingertip, and will determine the percentage of oxygen in the red blood cell. <ref name=":0" />This is done by measuring changes in light absorption between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. | ||
This is a non-invasive device, and does not involve any pain discomfort to administer. <ref name=":0" /> This can be seen in the picture of the device, on the right. | This is a non-invasive device, and does not involve any pain discomfort to administer. <ref name=":0" /> This can be seen in the picture of the device, on the right. | ||
| Line 27: | Line 31: | ||
* Sit still and relaxed, and do not move your hand with the device. <ref name=":1" /> | * Sit still and relaxed, and do not move your hand with the device. <ref name=":1" /> | ||
* Wait a few seconds for the the digital readings to settle. This will show a proper estimate of your heart rate and oxygen saturation. <ref name=":1" /> | * Wait a few seconds for the the digital readings to settle. This will show a proper estimate of your heart rate and oxygen saturation. <ref name=":1" /> | ||
=== What the outputs mean === | |||
Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels for healthy individuals should be between 95% - 100%. <ref name=":1" /> | |||
Note that oxygen saturation levels can be slightly lower for individuals at higher atitudes. | |||
== Contraindications, conditions, and limitations, risks == | == Contraindications, conditions, and limitations, risks == | ||
| Line 36: | Line 47: | ||
* Long nails or unclean nails <ref name=":0" /> | * Long nails or unclean nails <ref name=":0" /> | ||
* Tobacco usage <ref name=":0" /> | * Tobacco usage <ref name=":0" /> | ||
* Dark skin pigmentation <ref name=":0" /> | * Dark skin pigmentation <ref name=":0" /><br /> | ||
These factors may result in an unintended low oxygen saturation measurement. It is also good to note that the accuracy of the device is the lowest when SpO2 values are below 80%. <ref name=":1" /> | |||
There are no risks or dangers of having the device administered. <ref name=":0" /> | |||
If and when someone is measuring their oxygen saturation at home using a pulse oximeter, attention should be givent o the following signs or symptoms: <ref name=":1" /> | |||
* Cyanosis (blueness) of the face, lips, or nails | |||
* Shortness of breath (SOB), difficulty breathing, or progressive cough | |||
* Restlessness and discomfort | |||
* Chest pain or tightness | |||
* fast or racing pulse rate | |||
Interesting fact: There is an increased usage of pulse oximeters as a result of Covid-19. Patients with (or suspected symptoms of) covis-19, who are using a pulse oximeter, should pay attention to all signs and symptoms when judging the accuracy and reliability of the device. <ref name=":1" /> | Interesting fact: There is an increased usage of pulse oximeters as a result of Covid-19. Patients with (or suspected symptoms of) covis-19, who are using a pulse oximeter, should pay attention to all signs and symptoms when judging the accuracy and reliability of the device. <ref name=":1" /> | ||
=== Resources === | === Resources === | ||
Revision as of 20:31, 7 May 2022
Original Editor - User Name
Top Contributors - Kapil Narale and Naomi O'Reilly
This article or area is currently under construction and may only be partially complete. Please come back soon to see the finished work! (7/05/2022)
Introduction (what is the pulse oximeter)[edit | edit source]
A Pulse Oximeter is a handheld clip device used to measure one's oxygen saturation. Pulse Oximetry is the process of using the device to measure the oxygen saturation.
Due to its portability, it can easily be used at rest, and can also be used during exercise.
Pulse oximeters can be used in critical care settings, like emergency rooms and hospitals, used to monitor patients before, during, and/or after rehabilitation exercise therapy, or can be used in the home setting.
Usage[edit | edit source]
The Device[edit | edit source]
The pulse oximeter is a gentle clamp, which provide two digital readings: your heart rate, and oxygen saturation. [1]
It is placed around the fingertip, and the outputs are displayed within seconds. The device consists of a cold light source which shines a light through the fingertip. The device analyzes the light that is passing through the fingertip, and will determine the percentage of oxygen in the red blood cell. [1]This is done by measuring changes in light absorption between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
This is a non-invasive device, and does not involve any pain discomfort to administer. [1] This can be seen in the picture of the device, on the right.
Procedures (for using the pulse oximeter)[edit | edit source]
The device can be used on the fingers, ears, nose, or toes [1], but is generally used on the finger.
- When placing the pulse oximeter on your (or someone's) fingertip, ensure that the hand is warm, is placed below heart level, the particular finger is clean without any fingernail polish, and that you are relaxed. [2]
- Sit still and relaxed, and do not move your hand with the device. [2]
- Wait a few seconds for the the digital readings to settle. This will show a proper estimate of your heart rate and oxygen saturation. [2]
What the outputs mean[edit | edit source]
Normal oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels for healthy individuals should be between 95% - 100%. [2]
Note that oxygen saturation levels can be slightly lower for individuals at higher atitudes.
Contraindications, conditions, and limitations, risks[edit | edit source]
There are many factors which may cause an inaccurate or unreliable reading. Such factors may include:
- Poor Circulation [1]
- Cool skin temperature [1]
- Have dark nail-polish [1]
- Long nails or unclean nails [1]
- Tobacco usage [1]
- Dark skin pigmentation [1]
These factors may result in an unintended low oxygen saturation measurement. It is also good to note that the accuracy of the device is the lowest when SpO2 values are below 80%. [2]
There are no risks or dangers of having the device administered. [1]
If and when someone is measuring their oxygen saturation at home using a pulse oximeter, attention should be givent o the following signs or symptoms: [2]
- Cyanosis (blueness) of the face, lips, or nails
- Shortness of breath (SOB), difficulty breathing, or progressive cough
- Restlessness and discomfort
- Chest pain or tightness
- fast or racing pulse rate
Interesting fact: There is an increased usage of pulse oximeters as a result of Covid-19. Patients with (or suspected symptoms of) covis-19, who are using a pulse oximeter, should pay attention to all signs and symptoms when judging the accuracy and reliability of the device. [2]
Resources[edit | edit source]
- bulleted list
- x
or
- numbered list
- x
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 American Lung Association. Pulse Oximetry. Available from: https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-procedures-and-tests/pulse-oximetry#:~:text=The%20pulse%20oximeter%2C%20or%20Pulse,be%20reused%20or%20disposed%20of. (accessed on 7 May 2022)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 FDA. Pulse Oximeter Accuracy and Limitations: FDA Safety Communications. Available from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication (accessed on 7 May 2022)
