Pulse Oximeter’s Facts And Guidelines That You Need To Know

It is a non-invasive method that is indicated in any situation where monitoring arterial oxygenation is considered important. In critically ill patients, a number of clinical studies have shown that continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry is superior to periodic blood gas measurements for detecting episodes of significant disease like hypoxemia. When patients are in condition of depending on mechanical ventilation and oxygen support, Pulse Oximeter will pave the way of giving benefits to patients that are in oxygen and ventilation support. The principle of pulse oximetry is based on the red and infrared light absorption characteristics of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Percentage of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin will be the basis for oxygen saturation this oxygen in the blood is determined by spectral analysis. It is critical for medical caretakers to know this information in order to evaluate the respiratory condition of a patient. The finger is placed between a clip mechanism and they are used mostly when administering pulse oximetry.

Photon detectors are receiving the light from LEDs to get results from pulse oximetry; they are placed adjacent to each other. The sensing probe of pulse oximeter contains a light source and a receiving chamber; sensing probes attaches to the monitor by means of cable; light will pass through the tissue and blood vessels till results are displayed in the monitor. Self-check pulse oximeters machine will vary greatly on the brand of oximeter; fingertips and earlobes will be attached by a clipping mechanism from a sensing probe so they can see the volume and percentage of oxygen saturation.

Pulse oximeter will show in its monitor the readings if a patient is at normal or lower than normal level of oxygen saturation percentage; recognizing the patient if he or she has breathing problems is checked and usually, healthy patients have 95 to 100 percent oxygen saturation. Patients wearing nail polish and patients with dirty fingers are some of the problems why pulse oximeter cannot get an accurate analysis from patients; they are considered as limitations of this machine and specialists should avoid this.

There is no machine that is perfect, so specialist should perform and operate this medical device with proper knowledge and considerations on its limitations and capacities. The pulse oximetry is probably the most frequently used monitor of respiration in critically ill patients; despite its widespread use, there are still studies that show a number of care providers did not understand how a Pulse Oximeter work.

Poor connections are problems that needs troubleshooting for pulse oximeters; sensors must be properly aligned, wires are intact and machine is plugged properly; make sure that it is clean and dry without moist and residue.