Oximeter Introduction
2023-07-27
An oximeter is a medical device used to measure the oxygen saturation level in a person's blood. It is a non-invasive and simple tool that provides valuable information about the amount of oxygen carried by red blood cells from the lungs to the rest of the body. Oxygen saturation, often abbreviated as SpO2, is expressed as a percentage and represents the amount of hemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen.
The most common type of oximeter is the pulse oximeter, which is often used on the fingertip, although other sites like the earlobe or toe can also be used. The device uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a light detector to measure the absorption of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light, while deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light. By analyzing the light absorption pattern, the oximeter calculates the oxygen saturation level and displays it on the screen.
The most common type of oximeter is the pulse oximeter, which is often used on the fingertip, although other sites like the earlobe or toe can also be used. The device uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a light detector to measure the absorption of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light, while deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light. By analyzing the light absorption pattern, the oximeter calculates the oxygen saturation level and displays it on the screen.
Oximeters are widely used in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even in some home care situations. They are particularly useful in monitoring patients with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, and during the treatment of COVID-19.
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