Every living being needs oxygen to survive. Every organ, every cell, needs to have oxygen in one or other form to perform its vital functions. Due to the lack of oxygen cells unction and eventually they die, but due to the change in the environment and the rise of pollution in urban areas the issues of respiratory disease are rising at a very potential rate and has increased the burden of healthcare systems worldwide. In a report by the World Health Organization (WHO) it is revealed that chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Asthma are widespread across the globe COPD has affected around 251 million people and the Asthmatic population has increased t worldwide.
The covid 19 pandemic has also raised concerns about the critical need for respiratory monitoring with millions and millions of cases coming up with different kinds of complications.
To solve this problem of regular monitoring of oxygen levels and changes in the patterns of the breathing cycle, a pulse oximeter is needed.
What is a Pulse Oximeter
An oxygen meter is a non-invasive portable medical device that measures the oxygen saturation level (Spo2) of blood and pulse rate. Due to its compact nature and ease of use, this device has become essential in medical settings, gyms, homes, and athletic activities. Primary function is to measure the oxygen content in the bloodstream providing information on the respiratory status of the person.
How Does an Oximeter Works?
A pulse oximeter works on the principle of photoplethy smography and spectrophotometry. The absorption characteristics of hemoglobin are utilized to measure the oxygen levels of blood. Below is the process of how it works:
- The oximeter contains two light-emitting diodes (LEDs). These LEDs emit light at two different wavelengths
Red ? around 660 nm
Infrared ? around 940 nm
- Oxygenated blood and deoxygenated blood are susceptible to different wavelengths and get absorbed differently. Infrared light is absorbed by the deoxygenated hemoglobin and lets the red light pass through while the oxygenated hemoglobin is susceptible to red light.
- A photodetector is placed on the opposite side that captures the amount of light passed through the finger, earlobe, and thinner part of the skin.
- The device analyzes the amount of light and gives results accordingly.
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter?
Read the instructions at the back of the box of the device and see if it needs batteries or not. Before taking the pulse oximeter make sure the hands are clean and dry. Remove any sort of nail polish artificial nails etc. The pulse oximeter use is as follows:
- In case the hands are cold rub them together to bring warmth.
- Sit down and find a comfortable position to rest for 5 minutes before taking the test.
- Put the pulse oximeter on the middle or index finger. It should be snug, not loose.
- It is advised to keep it on the finger for about 30-60 seconds, but if the readings keep fluctuating keep it a little more until the readings are steady. Once the readings are steady remove the finger oximeter.
Pulse Oximeter Reading Chart
| OXYGEN SATURATION | PULSE RATE (BEATS PER MINUTE) | READINGS |
| 95%- 100% | 60-100 | Normal |
| 95% | 101-109 | Continue monitoring |
| 93%-94% | 110-130 | See your healthcare provider |
| 92% 0R lower | 131 OR higher | Go to emergency |
What Factors May Affect the Results of Readings
Placement is the key. The first two fingers are the most appropriate ones because they have more blood rush than the rest of the fingers.
Movement can cause difficulty in recording readings. So be sure to sit and rest a few minutes before taking the readings.
While you can try your best to take the best readings up to your abilities some circumstances are beyond your control, a statement issued by the FDA indicated that some pulse oximeters give inaccurate readings depending on the color of the person.
Who Needs Pulse Oximeter or Spo2 Monitor
Certain health conditions require people to keep track and monitor their blood oxygen levels. People with supplemental oxygen therapy require regular tracking along with people suffering from:
- Asthma
- COPD
- Heart disease
- Blood clots
- Heart failure
- Lung cancer
- Sleep apnea
- Pneumonia
- Lung disease
People living on high latitudes may also benefit from the oximeter and athletes also use it to keep their performance in check.
Why Oximeter is Preferred
The portable pulse oximeter is preferred because:
- They are non-invasive and provide results and information with needles and blood drawing.
- They are simple and easy to use; even non-medical users can use them.
- They give immediate results and real-time monitoring can be done by them.
- They are small and light and can take you from one place to another very easily. Portability is a very big favoring factor.
Role of Oximeter in Solving Respiratory Problems
- O2 saturation monitor helps in the early detection of respiratory diseases by identifying low oxygen levels and allowing medical intervention to prevent any complications.
- It helps in continuous monitoring of chronic conditions, keeps a check on them, and maintains stability.
- Oximeters act as guides for medical practitioners as they give real-time data for adjusting the oxygen levels in oxygen therapy and ventilation settings.
- Oximeter enables patients to keep records themselves without going to hospitals improving the quality of their lives.
The oximeter has become an essential tool in healthcare systems and home settings to monitor blood oxygen level saturation. It has provided a great aid in keeping the conditions of people stable and in check, preventing complications and timely medical intervention, and improved the quality of healthcare many folds.