Thursday, September 11, 2014

How To Buy A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Deanne Shepard


The importance of pulse oximetry has made it a requirement for some people to carry oximeters wherever the go. Recording pulse oximeter is among oximetry devices in use today. It measures heart rate and blood oxygen concentration as the two major aspects. It can also store data recorded over time in memory making it necessary to include the word recording in the name. Normally data is backed up on computers with supporting software.

With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index among others.

Alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the 2 types of batteries in these devices. Alkaline batteries cannot be serviced because they come already fixed in the oximeter. They can last many years, but they must be replaced when they eventually degrade. The affect the accuracy and performance of the device greatly once they start failing. The life of some models is also limited due to lack of replacement batteries.

Rechargeable batteries on the other hand are very durable and cost effective over time. They only need to be recharged when they discharge. Charging can be done even when the instrument is in use making the batteries even more convenient. There are however some models of oximeters, which can use both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. Going for such models can offer an added advantage.

There is life-saving capability in products that have alarm systems. Alarms are set by the user to ring upon the occurrence of certain events. For example, when heart rate or blood O2 concentration goes above or below a specific level, the device through the alarm system, notifies the user. The health staff can therefore react fast enough to such occurrences if the patient is under a comma or sedatives.

The display is the interface through which the user communicates with the device. Choosing a product with clear and easily readable display is advised. Expensive models come with better displays than those found in cheap brands. Better displays also show information like pulse waveform and meter, menus, perfusion index, and battery level.

Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.

Cost is dependent on quality and features incorporated in the device. Quality should not be traded for cost when making a purchase because that can be dangerous. Some of the most accurate devices cost very highly.




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