Understanding Handheld Pulse Oximeters: How They Function?

A Handheld Pulse Oximeter is a small, portable device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood (known as SpO2) and your heart rate. It is made to be simple to use both at home and in a medical facility. The device works without invasive procedures; you simply place it on a finger, toe, or earlobe to obtain your readings.

Special models of Handheld Pulse Oximeters are available for adults and infants, and they vary in size, cost, and features. Pulse Oximeters became much more popular during the COVID-19 pandemic as people tried to monitor their oxygen levels, which the virus can affect.

 As a result of this increased demand, the significance of pulse oximetry in monitoring the health of people with particular medical conditions has come to light.

Types of Pulse Oximeters

There are three main types of Pulse Oximeters:

1. Fingertip Pulse Oximeter: This is the most common kind. It attaches to the patient’s fingertip and measures heart rate and blood oxygen levels. Fingertip oximeters are excellent for use at home.
2. Handheld Pulse Oximeter: These are mainly used in clinics and hospitals. They are portable and can measure heart rates and oxygen levels from various body parts.
3. Fetal Pulse Oximeter: This type monitors blood oxygen levels in unborn babies. During pregnancy, it helps guarantee that the unborn child receives adequate oxygen.

How Handheld Pulse Oximeters Work?

Experts say that a healthy adult should have oxygen saturation levels between 95% and 100%, and a heart rate of 60 to 100 beats per minute. If your readings are lower, it may indicate the need for oxygen therapy or further medical action.

Hemoglobin, a protein found in your blood, is in charge of carrying oxygen throughout your body. Blood circulates throughout the body after oxygen is taken in the lungs, supporting healthy organ and tissue function. 

You can use a Pulse Oximeter on various body parts, including your hand, fingertip, earlobe, forehead, or wrist, to measure your oxygen level and pulse rate. However, how does it work?

Blood oxygen levels are measured by Handheld Pulse Oximeters, also known as SAT monitors, which use light sensors.

One part of the device with a reusable sensor attaches to your skin, while the other connects to a monitor or power unit. It is powered by electricity, and the screen shows your oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.

These devices can be used with various oxygen sensors, whether applied to your finger, toe, earlobe, foot, or hand. Healthcare providers can use the same machine for several patients because the sensors can be disposed of or reused.

The technology in Pulse Oximeters uses red and infrared LEDs. The light shines on a part of the skin that has many blood vessels. Oxygen-rich hemoglobin absorbs the infrared light, letting the red light pass through, which makes it possible to get a reading. Conversely, deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs red light while letting infrared light pass.

The oxygen saturation reading is based on the ratio of red light to infrared light that passes through your blood. First, the device measures the intensity of both lights in oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.It then determines your SpO2 levels and shows your pulse rate.

Features of a Handheld Pulse Oximeter

Some manufacturers add extra features to Handheld Pulse Oximeters to improve their functionality. Here are some common features:

• Data Storage Memory: Allow hospitals to track patients’ oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels and pulse rates over time.
  
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple buttons and clear instructions make the device easy to operate, even for non-tech-savvy users.
• Audible Alarms: These alarms alert patients and medical staff when SpO2 levels drop to critical levels.
• Output Ports: These ports enable the transfer of data to other devices, such as printers, for easy record-keeping.
• Monitor/Screen Display: This clearly shows the oxygen saturation readings and pulse rate for quick reference.
• Rechargeable Batteries: This feature helps save money by eliminating the need to frequently buy new batteries.

Uses of a Handheld Pulse Oximeter

Handheld Pulse Oximeters are essential for patients with chronic illnesses or respiratory complications. Some of the health conditions that require regular monitoring of Spo2 Sensor levels include:

• Anemia
• Lung damage or lung disease
• Bronchiectasis
• COPD
• Cystic fibrosis
• Heart disease
• Lung cancer
• Pneumonia
• Asthma
• COVID-19

Why Use Pulse Oximeters?

The primary purpose of a Pulse Oximeter is to measure oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Physicians utilize these readings for several key reasons:

• Evaluating Oxygen Needs: Find out if you need more oxygen treatment.
• Assessing Breathing Assistance: Determine whether assisted breathing is necessary.
• Medication Effectiveness: Check if lung medications are working.
• Ventilation Requirements: Take into account if ventilation assistance is necessary.
• Physical Activity Tolerance: Assess the patient’s ability to tolerate physical activity
• Serious Condition Evaluation: Examine illnesses such as sleep apnea.
• Stress Test Monitoring: During stress tests, monitor oxygen saturation.
• Surgical Oversight: Monitor the patient’s condition throughout the anesthesia and surgery.

Final Thoughts

Handheld Pulse Oximeters are essential for monitoring heart rates and oxygen levels, particularly in patients with long-term medical conditions.They help physicians make better treatment decisions by providing them with crucial information. 

With useful features and easy functionality, BRAINWAVE MEDISYSTEMS makes it simple for healthcare workers and patients to manage their health. If you’re looking for a Pulse Oximeter Online Buy, BRAINWAVE MEDISYSTEMS has reliable options. Additionally, consider a Veterinary Handheld Pulse Oximeter for monitoring your pets’ health.

FAQs

Q.1 What is the function of a handheld Pulse Oximeter?

Ans. A portable Pulse Oximeter measures heart rate and blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2). It helps track respiratory function and identify possible health problems by providing fast, non-invasive readings.

Q.2 How to read a Pulse Oximeter correctly?

Ans. Ensure the Pulse Oximeter is properly attached to a finger. Wait for stable readings, usually shown as a percentage for SpO2 and beats per minute for heart rate.

Q.3 How does a portable Pulse Oximeter work?

Ans. Light emitted by the device travels through tissue, blood, skin, and fingernails. The amount of light that travels through the finger without being absorbed by the blood and tissue is detected and measured by a sensor on the opposite side of the finger.

Q.4 Which finger is best for a Pulse Oximeter?

Ans. The index or middle finger or index finger is typically recommended for Pulse Oximetry. These fingers have good blood flow and allow accurate readings without excessive movement.

Q.5 What is the normal range for Pulse Oximeter?

Ans. A normal Pulse Oximeter reading ranges from 95% to 100% oxygen saturation. Values below 90% may indicate respiratory issues or other medical concerns requiring further evaluation.