The Features To Look For When Buying A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Tracie Knight


The technology of pulse oximeter has been in existence for long and was first made commercially available in the 1970s, when they were bulky and clumsy weighing up to 35lbs. By then, they were very uncomfortable to use and each unit was quite expensive, retailing at about $10, 000. The situation has drastically changed, one just needs a few dollars to acquire a fingertip model of a recording pulse oximeter.

The working of these gadgets depends on scientific principles commonly used. Oxygenated blood usually absorbs red light about 660nm while the deoxygenated blood absorbs infrared light at 940nm. The oximeters are thus designed with two LEDs at 660nm and 960nm and two sensors to gather the same. Once emitted, the LED lights go through tissues from where given amount is absorbed depends on oxygen levels in the blood. The rest is detected by sensors that process it into readable data. Some of the information made available from the device include pulse rate, oxygen absorption rate and the cardiovascular data.

Not all of these devices work in the same manner. It is therefore important to understand features of an ideal oximeter before setting off to buy one. The decisions should be based on the brand name or prices only, rather, focus on getting high quality devices at significantly lower price tag.

First of all, the brand and manufacturers should be FDA approved. Just like many other medical devices, these gadgets falls in the type II category and requires FDA approval before distribution to the public. It does not hurt to enter the brand name or manufacturer name through the FDA Medical Device Database and confirm.

The most significant aspect however is to find out is the device is able to give very accurate and reliable readings at its specific working range. The role is to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood tissue and the results are very useful. As such, your goal is to obtain the device that gives the best possible results. You can compare it with those used in medical facilities for its accuracy level.

The device should also be relatively easy to use. If possible, it should be used by all family members without having to struggle. In fact, the user manual alone should be enough to guide you through without having to involve an expert. It should also be of the size that comfortably work for the targeted end user, be it children or adults.

Together with these, there are many other features that additionally contribute to optimal choice. These include the device memory and its ability to connect with the computer or a mobile phone to facilitate data analysis. There are those gadgets that have storage capacity for more than one individual. Such gadgets are considered to be better choice, particularly for the family.

Other issues that should also put into consideration are the battery lifespan, the case for the device, its logbook, the ease of storage and general appearance among others. If all these are put into consideration, then the value for money is likely to be realized.




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