pulse oximetry: purpose, uses and reading

introduction

Pulse oximetry, a painless and non-invasive procedure, gauges your blood’s oxygen levels and distribution to extremities like the arms and legs. This assessment employs a pulse oximeter device, which, despite its current prominence due to the pandemic, has been in use for over five decades.

Traditionally, pulse oximeters have served as indispensable tools for monitoring and evaluating blood oxygenation in individuals with chronic heart and lung conditions, typically within medical settings, under the purview of healthcare professionals.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has prompted a surge in the use of pulse oximeters, making them a standard household device. During the pandemic, these instruments played a transformative role by enabling accurate and continuous monitoring of patients’ oxygen levels, significantly saving lives.

A pulse oximeter is a compact handheld device that attaches to your fingertip, estimating oxygen saturation in arterial blood. Comprising a monitor with a display screen, a probe equipped with light-emitting diodes (LEDs), a photodetector, and batteries, it operates on the principle of light absorption by oxygenated haemoglobin (O2Hb). Oxygenated haemoglobin absorbs more infrared light, allowing more red light to pass through. The pulse oximeter calculates the ratio between red and infrared light measurements, converting it into SpO2, then displayed on the screen.

What Is The Purpose Of Pulse Oximetry?

Pulse oximetry has become an integral part of medical practice, often hailed as the fifth vital sign alongside pulse rate, body temperature, respiration rate, and blood pressure.

Unlike a direct blood sample measurement, an oximeter’s primary goal is indirectly assessing blood oxygen saturation.

Several conditions affect lung function and blood oxygen levels. A pulse oximeter is used primarily in situations such as:

• Pneumonia
• Lung cancer
• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
• Anaemia
• Congenital heart disease
• COVID 19

In these scenarios, an oximeter reading assumes crucial significance:

• Treatment Response Assessment: To gauge your response to medical interventions.
• Ventilator Effectiveness Evaluation: For determining the ventilator’s efficacy in aiding respiration.
• Indication for Respiratory Assistance: To ascertain the necessity for respiratory support or supplemental oxygen therapy.
• Monitoring Oxygen Therapy: To assess the effectiveness of ongoing supplemental oxygen therapy and make adjustments if necessary.
• Post-Sedation Surgical Monitoring: After surgeries involving sedation, continuously monitor and assess oxygen levels.

What Are Pulse Oximetry Reading Ranges?

Understanding accurate measurement methods is essential before delving into pulse oximeter reading ranges. Whether in a hospital setting or using a  fingertip pulse oximeter  at home, adhering to critical guidelines is crucial. Here’s your guide on how to effectively use a pulse oximeter:

• Invest in Quality: Opt for a reliable device like the  Scure, Contec pulse oximeter, known for its user-friendliness and consistent, dependable readings.
• Prepare Properly: Sit upright and unwind for a minimum of 5 minutes, refraining from talking, moving, or walking.
• Optimal Positioning: Place your hand on your chest, aligning it with your heart’s level.
• Device Setup: Activate the oximeter and affix it to your index finger securely.
• Wait for Steady Readings: Allow time for the reading to stabilize. Keep the device on if fluctuations persist.
• Pulse Monitoring: Many oximeters also display pulse rates. Familiarize yourself with how to interpret this information.
• Recording Readings: Note the highest reading once stability is achieved for at least 5 seconds.

Following these steps ensures accurate and dependable readings for effective monitoring.

It is essential to note that certain things affect fingertip pulse oximeter readings. These include:

• Dark nail paint
• Measuring your blood saturation in cold surroundings
• If you have a deformity in your finger
• Skin pigmentation and thickness
• Tobacco use immediately before or during your blood saturation measurement

This is how oximeter readings are organized:

what do pulse oximetry readings tell us?

Learning how to interpret your oximeter data is crucial to grasp the significance of your readings. Here’s a breakdown of how to decipher the lessons from your fingertip pulse oximeter:

• Healthy Range: A pulse rate within 97-100% indicates good health. Note that older adults often have lower saturation levels than younger individuals. A saturation level of 95% is acceptable in the absence of lung impairments.
• Normal Oxygen Levels: A blood oxygen level of 95% is typical for healthy individuals and doesn’t raise concerns.
• Low Oxygen Warning: Saturation below 92% suggests low oxygen and potential hypoxemia.
• Critical Level: Consistent levels below 88% demand immediate medical attention; consult a doctor promptly.

Remember, these readings are influenced by your health status and situations, such as:

• Health Conditions: Obesity, lung diseases, heart issues, sleep apnea, asthma, etc., may yield lower saturation levels.
• Medical Treatments: Those undergoing cancer chemotherapy might exhibit reduced saturation.
• Habits and Environment: Smoking, movement or talking during readings, extreme cold, and related hypothermia or reduced peripheral perfusion can impact tasks.

Understanding these factors enhances your comprehension of oximeter data.

takeaway

At Portea, we prioritize your well-being. While pulse oximeters are safe for monitoring blood saturation levels, their usage should be prudent. If you encounter any of the mentioned health concerns while using our healthcare services, like home nursing, doctor consultations, or physiotherapy, promptly share your oximeter readings with our professionals. This proactive step ensures you receive timely and suitable medical attention, aligning with our commitment to your health and care. Your well-being is our utmost concern.

Portea offers a range of superior healthcare services, including doctor consultations, physiotherapy, nursing home care, diagnostics and vaccination services. We are delighted to offer the dependable and affordable Oximetry such as Pulse Oximetry on rent and purchase. Engineered for user-friendliness and minimal upkeep. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

ALSO KNOW ABOUT:

• Equipment Lease Agreement
• Ambulatory BP Machine
• Simply Go Portable Oxygen Concentrator (POC)

faqs

What Is The Ideal Finger For An Oximeter?

For Optimal Results With A Pulse Oximeter, It Is Recommended To Use The Middle Finger Of Your Right Hand, As Studies Suggest It Provides The Most Accurate Readings. Ensure The Finger Is Free From Nail Polish And Not Cold, As These Factors Can Affect The Precision Of The Measurements.

What Does Spo2 Stand For?

Spo2 Is An Acronym For Saturation Of Peripheral Oxygen. This Abbreviation Breaks Down Into Its Components: “S” For Saturation, “P” For Pulse (Or Serum Pressure), And “O2” For Oxygen. Spo2 Is Synonymous With Oxygen Saturation, Reflecting The Amount Of Oxygen Bound To Hemoglobin In The Peripheral Areas Of Your Blood. It Serves As A Crucial Metric For Assessing Respiratory Health And Overall Oxygen Levels.

Are Spo2 And Bp Equivalent?

Spo2 And Blood Pressure Are Distinct Medical Measurements Used To Evaluate An Individual’s Health. Despite Their Close Association With Heart Function And Overall Well-Being, They Represent Different Aspects Of Physiological Assessment.

What Sensor Is Utilized In The Oximeter?

Pulse Oximetry Utilizes Red And Infrared Leds In Its Sensors To Measure Levels Of Oxygenated And Deoxygenated Hemoglobin. However, It’s Important To Note That Led Contamination Can Impact The Calibration Of The Oximeter, Potentially Leading To Inaccurate Spo2 Readings, Particularly When Levels Fall Below 80%.