Data collected over time through pulse oximetry can be used to check two types of information about a patient. The two pieces of information are blood oxygen saturation percentage and the heart rate. This method is non-invasive and does not involve penetrating the body in any way. For patients receiving CPAP therapy for apnea, a recording pulse oximeter can be used to determine the efficiency of the therapy.
Apnea activities lead to a drop in blood oxygen percentage during the night when they are taking place. Such drops can be recorded by oximeters with recording capability and used to compare with previous recordings made. The efficiency of therapy can be determined basing on the variations found in the recordings. Te extra features incorporated in modern devices make it important to own one of them. For example, spot checks for heart rates and oxygen saturation are possible in modern brands.
Instant checking of the two parameters assists one to determine the effects of changes in air pressure and altitude on brain functions. The parameters are also normally a concern to individuals taking part in strenuous activities such as exercise. Before buying an oximeter, the buyer should check the presence of following features.
The first factor to consider is the display the device has. Ordinary devices will normally show only two pieces of information, the heart rate and blood O2 concentration in LED display. However, in more advanced devices, additional information may be displayed in a better display. The additional information may include perfusion index, pulse meter, pulse waveform, battery level indicator, and various menus. The menus open different functions depending on the model of the device.
A good device should also have the alarm function. Alarm function is important in warning the patient when certain threshold values have been reached. Normally the user has the freedom of setting their own threshold. The user can therefore be warned when their heart beat or blood oxygen concentration rises or falls below a given pre-determined level. Another alarm function is for warning the user when the battery level falls below a certain level.
Oximeters may have one of the two major kinds of batteries. The major battery types in use today are the standard alkaline and rechargeable lithium ion. The lithium ion type can be recharged by electricity when it gets discharged. Because of this, lithium ion batteries are considered cost effective and durable unlike the un-rechargeable alkaline types. Both alkaline and lithium ion batteries can be used in some models of oximeters. This allows users some level of flexibility in their choices.
Comfort is a factor that must never be overlooked. A good gadget is one that allows some level of comfort to the user. Although most clip-based designs are placed on the finger, one should ensure that they are comfortable even after hours of using the gadget. If there is any form of discomfort, the fingers can always be switched.
Extra functionalities can be checked after one ensures that all important functions are present. A device that can wirelessly have all real time values transmitted to the computer on which the software that accompanies the oximeter is installed is better off. Third parties like caregivers can gain from such capabilities.
Apnea activities lead to a drop in blood oxygen percentage during the night when they are taking place. Such drops can be recorded by oximeters with recording capability and used to compare with previous recordings made. The efficiency of therapy can be determined basing on the variations found in the recordings. Te extra features incorporated in modern devices make it important to own one of them. For example, spot checks for heart rates and oxygen saturation are possible in modern brands.
Instant checking of the two parameters assists one to determine the effects of changes in air pressure and altitude on brain functions. The parameters are also normally a concern to individuals taking part in strenuous activities such as exercise. Before buying an oximeter, the buyer should check the presence of following features.
The first factor to consider is the display the device has. Ordinary devices will normally show only two pieces of information, the heart rate and blood O2 concentration in LED display. However, in more advanced devices, additional information may be displayed in a better display. The additional information may include perfusion index, pulse meter, pulse waveform, battery level indicator, and various menus. The menus open different functions depending on the model of the device.
A good device should also have the alarm function. Alarm function is important in warning the patient when certain threshold values have been reached. Normally the user has the freedom of setting their own threshold. The user can therefore be warned when their heart beat or blood oxygen concentration rises or falls below a given pre-determined level. Another alarm function is for warning the user when the battery level falls below a certain level.
Oximeters may have one of the two major kinds of batteries. The major battery types in use today are the standard alkaline and rechargeable lithium ion. The lithium ion type can be recharged by electricity when it gets discharged. Because of this, lithium ion batteries are considered cost effective and durable unlike the un-rechargeable alkaline types. Both alkaline and lithium ion batteries can be used in some models of oximeters. This allows users some level of flexibility in their choices.
Comfort is a factor that must never be overlooked. A good gadget is one that allows some level of comfort to the user. Although most clip-based designs are placed on the finger, one should ensure that they are comfortable even after hours of using the gadget. If there is any form of discomfort, the fingers can always be switched.
Extra functionalities can be checked after one ensures that all important functions are present. A device that can wirelessly have all real time values transmitted to the computer on which the software that accompanies the oximeter is installed is better off. Third parties like caregivers can gain from such capabilities.
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