The technology of pulse oximeter has been in existence for long and was first made commercially available in the 1970s, when they were bulky and clumsy weighing up to 35lbs. By then, they were very uncomfortable to use and each unit was quite expensive, retailing at about $10, 000. The situation has drastically changed, one just needs a few dollars to acquire a fingertip model of a recording pulse oximeter.
Their working is based on scientific principles that have been in place for long. Ideally, oxygenated blood absorbs the red light at 660nm significantly different from 940nm where the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light. With this in mind, the gadgets are designed to emit the two light rays (red light and infrared light from) from LEDs. These are passed through the body tissues and absorbed by the data readings obtain includes the oxygen level in blood, the pulse rate and cardiovascular conditions.
Not all of these devices work in the same manner. It is therefore important to understand features of an ideal oximeter before setting off to buy one. The decisions should be based on the brand name or prices only, rather, focus on getting high quality devices at significantly lower price tag.
First of all, the brand and manufacturers should be FDA approved. Just like many other medical devices, these gadgets falls in the type II category and requires FDA approval before distribution to the public. It does not hurt to enter the brand name or manufacturer name through the FDA Medical Device Database and confirm.
The next and most important issue to consider is its accuracy and reliability. Given that its primary purpose is to measure oxygen saturation and the pulse rate, all efforts are focused on finding the device that is able to give the most accurate results in a consistent and reliable manner within its operation range. By comparing it with those used in medical centers, you should be able to select a better option.
The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.
Together with these, there are many other features that additionally contribute to optimal choice. These include the device memory and its ability to connect with the computer or a mobile phone to facilitate data analysis. There are those gadgets that have storage capacity for more than one individual. Such gadgets are considered to be better choice, particularly for the family.
The other issues include its battery life span, storage case, the logbook, its ease of storage, the general appearance and the software program in it. All these in addition to many other features can help select the best oximeter from the store.
Their working is based on scientific principles that have been in place for long. Ideally, oxygenated blood absorbs the red light at 660nm significantly different from 940nm where the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light. With this in mind, the gadgets are designed to emit the two light rays (red light and infrared light from) from LEDs. These are passed through the body tissues and absorbed by the data readings obtain includes the oxygen level in blood, the pulse rate and cardiovascular conditions.
Not all of these devices work in the same manner. It is therefore important to understand features of an ideal oximeter before setting off to buy one. The decisions should be based on the brand name or prices only, rather, focus on getting high quality devices at significantly lower price tag.
First of all, the brand and manufacturers should be FDA approved. Just like many other medical devices, these gadgets falls in the type II category and requires FDA approval before distribution to the public. It does not hurt to enter the brand name or manufacturer name through the FDA Medical Device Database and confirm.
The next and most important issue to consider is its accuracy and reliability. Given that its primary purpose is to measure oxygen saturation and the pulse rate, all efforts are focused on finding the device that is able to give the most accurate results in a consistent and reliable manner within its operation range. By comparing it with those used in medical centers, you should be able to select a better option.
The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.
Together with these, there are many other features that additionally contribute to optimal choice. These include the device memory and its ability to connect with the computer or a mobile phone to facilitate data analysis. There are those gadgets that have storage capacity for more than one individual. Such gadgets are considered to be better choice, particularly for the family.
The other issues include its battery life span, storage case, the logbook, its ease of storage, the general appearance and the software program in it. All these in addition to many other features can help select the best oximeter from the store.