How to Use an Oximeter

ByMichael P Richards

A pulse Oximeter provides a simple, effective and cheap way in which to measure a patient's oxygenation in a non-invasive manner. The device monitors the amount of haemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. Haemoglobin is the name given to the iron-containing protein that absorbs oxygen in the blood. Haemoglobin is contained within red blood cells.

The Principles of Pulse Oximetry
A light source originates from the Oximeter probe at two different wavelengths (650 nm and 805 nm). The light is partially absorbed by the haemoglobin in a patient's blood. The amount of light absorbed depends on the degree to which the haemoglobin is oxygenated. By determining the amount of absorption, the processor can work out the amount of haemoglobin which is oxygenated.

Oxygenation levels should remain above 95% at all times. However, in individuals with chronic respiratory diseases or heart diseases, oxygenation levels may be lower.

The Uses of Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry has an array of applications. Individual pulse oximetry measurements can be used in clinical situations in which hypoxemia (insufficient oxygenation of the blood) may be suspected. Continuous oximetry recordings can be used when a patient is under the influence of anaesthesia or sedation and to assess whether hypoxemia is occurring during sleep studies to help to diagnose the condition of obstructive sleep apnoea. Pulse oximetry can be used as an alternative to blood gas analysis in a range of clinical situations as it is easier and cheaper to perform.

The Locations in Which Pulse Oximeter Are Used
Pulse Oximeter are commonly found in the departments of intensive care, anaesthesiology, and accident and emergency. They are often located in ambulances and are increasingly becoming an essential part of a general practitioner's kit.

Directions for Using an Oximeter
Resting readings must be taken with an Oximeter for a minimum of 5 minutes. If a finger Oximeter is used, the patient's hand should be left to rest on their chest at the level of their heart. The finger should not be held in the air. The emitters and detectors of the device should oppose one another. The light must not reach the detector through anything but the tissue. The finger should be inserted into the probe correctly and the flexible probes should be attached properly. Appropriately sized probes must be used for assessing the oxygenation levels of children.

The Limitations of Oximeter
Pulse Oximeter are unable to differentiate between the different forms of haemoglobin.

Environmental factors can interfere with the results of Oximeter, including excessive movement and strong ambient lighting. Cold hands can also affect the results. Should a patient with cold hands require their oxygenation levels to be measured, it is necessary for an individual to warm the extremity before taking a measurement. Nail varnish should be removed from the fingernails before an Oximeter is used as nail varnish can create false readings. Intravascular dyes may also temporarily interfere with the readings obtained through an Oximeter.

Improving an Oximeter's Signal
To improve an oximeter's signal, an individual can warm up a patient's skin through rubbing the skin. If necessary, a topical vasodilator cream can be applied to the fingers of the patient.

If an Oximeter fails to provide a valid result, an alternative probe site, a different probe or a different machine may need to be used.

Michael P Richards is writing on behalf of Pure O2, specialists in Oxygen and Oxygen Concentrator

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Michael P Richards

Email Address:SubscribeHealth and Fitness Article FeedFind More ArticlesSearchSimilar ArticlesKnowledge on Choosing Portable Finger Pulse Oximeters For Non-Invasive Blood Oxygen Level ReadingsAll About the Pulse Oximeter and OximetryA Finger Pulse Oximeter to Find Out the Right Amount of Arterial Blood Oxygen LevelsPulse Oximetry Overnight - Helps in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Sleep ApneaTips For Buying an OximeterHow Does A Pulse Oximeter Work?Steps on Pulse OximetryDifferent Types of OximetersTake Charge of Your Health With a Finger Pulse OximeterOximeter for Baby BoomersRecent ArticlesBotox and Our Fascination With YouthLiposuction - What Is It?Subjects You Must Know To Work In Medical Billing and CodingWhat Is a Leaky Gut?Getting a Sports Physical FastA Career in Health Care Is a Dream Job in Today's EconomyBuying a Hearing Aid: What You Should Be Aware OfCan a Hearing Aid Help You?Buying a Hearing Aid: When to Exercise CautionDiet, Exercise, and ConsistencySubmitted On April 23, 2012. Viewed 7 times. Word count: 548.

MLA Style Citation:
Richards, Michael P.".".23 Apr. 2012EzineArticles.com.25 Apr. 2012 .APA Style Citation:
Richards, M. P. (2012, April 23). . Retrieved April 25, 2012, from http://ezinearticles.com/?How-­to-­Use-­an-­Oximeter&id=7018293Chicago Style Citation:
Richards, Michael P. "." EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?How-­to-­Use-­an-­Oximeter&id=7018293EzineArticles.com© 2012 EzineArticles.com
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