Pulse Oximeters: Function. Uses. Advantages

The pulse oximeter is an easy to use, non-invasive piece of medical equipment which measures blood oxygen levels. Pulse oximeters are particularly useful in emergency rooms and in emergency situations where a quick, consistent blood oxygen percentage is needed. Pulse oximetry in its present form was developed in the mid 70s. Prior to its introduction, a patient's oxygenation could only be determined by an arterial blood gas measurement; a single-point measurement that takes a few minutes of processing by a laboratory.

As computers and light emitting technology advanced in the 80s, pulse oximeters became smaller, more accurate and increasingly more affordable for medical facilities and professionals. By 1987, the standard of care for the administration of a general anesthetic in the United States included pulse oximetry. From the operating room the use of pulse oximetry rapidly spread throughout the hospital, first to the recovery room and then into the various intensive care units. Pulse oximetry was found to be useful for monitoring oxygen percentages in newborns far easier than invasive methods. What can pulse oximeters do for you?

Oxygen transport is essential for health. A lack of oxygen percentage in the blood can be caused by a variety of ailments. Generalized hypoxia, the medical term for lack of oxygen in the blood, has a variety of symptoms, many of which do not appear until the condition has become more severe. In altitude sickness, where hypoxia develops gradually, the symptoms include headaches, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea and a feeling of euphoria. In severe hypoxia with a very rapid onset, changes in levels of consciousness, seizures, coma, and death can occur. Severe hypoxia induces a blue discoloration of the skin called cyanosis. Oximeters can show a problem before any of these symptoms become apparent. Pilots, high altitude athletes, and scuba divers all need to pay close attention to their blood oxygen percentage, due to changing oxygen levels in the air around them. Variations in the blood oxygen can happen due to poisoning or cardiovascular disease as well. Hypoxia can also occur because of anesthesia in surgery. It can happen due to opiate drug overdose. Congenital heart problems can cause oxygen level abnormalities in infants and children. Oximeters can signal an early warning to doctors in all these situations.

Because of the affordability of small computers and LED light, pulse oximeters are being installed in surprising places. Today, pulse oximeters can be found in cell phones and video games as well as hospitals. Although the technology is relatively new, the pulse oximeter is proving to be an indispensable part of vital signs monitoring medical equipment.