The Benefits and Importance of a Pulse Oximeter

 Exactly what is a pulse oximeter and why is an important device? Simply put, a pulse oximeter is a small device that can be placed on a fingertip (the most common), toe, ear lobe, as well as other translucent areas where blood flow is considered substantial. This device then measures and monitors a person's oxygen saturation in the blood.

The measuring of blood oxygen levels is rather precise with the use of a pulse oximeter. This medical device uses one LED red light and one infrared light. These lights, combined, create wavelengths whose absorption will aide in calculating the ratio of oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. The blood's oxygen carrying hemoglobin will absorb more of the infrared light, than other elements, while the red light will be influenced more by the hemoglobin that is not carrying large amounts of oxygen, or little to no amounts of oxygen. The job of the pulse oximeter is the measure the amounts of hemoglobin carrying oxygen, vs. the hemoglobin which does not carry oxygen. This measurement is then displayed on the digital readout.

Oxygen is essential for the body to live. Without a consistent amount of it, severe and critical health issues will arise, as well as possible death. Those people who suffer from cardiac and/or respiratory problems, have a great need to monitor their blood oxygen levels. This is where a simple and portable pulse oximeter can be of great use, as well as a measure of reassurance to patients.

 While not as complex as a hospital or medical office, a portable pulse oximeter can easily fit within a pocket, purse or bag. Those used in medical facilities can be hooked up to monitors to show an extended period of time over which blood oxygen and fluctuate and change. These readings can then be stored to further aide in long term blood oxygen measurements.

 Often, a portable and battery operated pulse oximeter will be carried by pilots, mountain climbers and even athletes. Those who travel to high altitudes, are enclosed for extended periods of time within non-pressurized air crafts at high altitudes, as well as those who are subject to extreme exercise may need to monitor their blood oxygen levels closely to ensure that healthy levels (between 90 and 100 saturation) remain consistent.

 Pulse oximeters are also commonly used to diagnose some sleep disorders such as hypopnia and sleep apnea, as well as in surgery, recovery, emergency settings, intensive care and any other areas or settings where a patient's or person's blood oxygen levels may become unstable.

 The pulse oximeter was first developed in the 1940's by Millikan, went on to further development in 1972 by Aoyagi at Nihon Kohden, was commercialized in 1981 by Biox and was further established and accepted within the United States in the late 1980's.