A pulse oximeter is a device that offers a reliable method for checking vitals such as blood oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate. To medical professionals, this kind of data helps provide a quick assessment of a person's current state of health.
Though access to these devices is often done by visiting a doctors' office, at-home pulse oximeters allow anyone to monitor that data from home, as well. Some are even compatible with companion smartphone applications to chart readings on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and can automatically transmit measured vitals to a doctor if need be.
Pulse oximeter typesThe most common of these devices is one that's placed over a patient's fingertip, though there are also version that can either be worn around your wrist or held in your hand. Each has their own specific use, too.
The fingertip variety are inexpensive, easy to use, and unobtrusive, while those worn on the wrist are good for monitoring a patient over longer periods of time — while they're sleeping, for example. Handheld models offer a higher level of accuracy and often include other features such as measuring heart rate or blood pressure. As you may expect, these are also a bit more expensive.
How they workNo matter which version of the pulse oximeter you use, they all work in a similar fashion. The device shines both red and infrared light into a person's body, passing it through the bloodstream before the light is examined by a photodetector on the opposite side. That sensor then measures how much of each kind of light passed through in order to gauge current oxygenation levels. Hemoglobin that's higher in oxygen absorbs more infrared light, while blood cells that lack oxygen collect more red light.
Typically, the results of the test are displayed as a percentage value, with a higher number being better. A healthy person should expect the pulse oximeter to show a 95 to 100 percent oxygenation level in their blood while a number below 90 is considered to be low — although there could be an explanation for the lower reading.
For instance, someone at a higher altitude that's accustomed to the thinner air might produce lower oxygen levels. The number could also drop while sleeping as the body requires less oxygen at those times.
Why pulse oximeters are important right nowThe spread of COVID-19 has prompted the use of at-home pulse oximeters to help track potential symptoms. The virus often attacks the cardiovascular system, it's not uncommon for anyone infected to experience shortness of breath or have trouble breathing. With a pulse oximeter, it's possible to monitor someone's condition closely and to know when their oxygenation levels may start to get dangerously low. The device allows someone who's self-isolating to get a better sense of these conditions and whether it's time to see a doctor.
Because of this, there's been an increase in demand for pulse oximeters recently, with more people adding them to their first aid kits and medicine cabinets. If you've considered purchasing one yourself, you've likely discovered there are dozens of them to choose from.
Unsurprisingly, not all pulse oximeters are as good as others, making it more challenging to decide which one to buy. After researching what's available, here are our recommendations.
Here are the best pulse oximeters you can buy:Read the original article on Insider