Pulse Oximeters

Oximetry is a simple non invasive medical procedure used to measure the concentration of oxygen in the blood. Oximetry is widely used in the hospital care setting to assess individuals who have a variety of medical disorders. The measurement of oxygen is done by an oximeter which is a photoelectric device. The majority of oximeters are small, portable and reusable.

The oximeter can be placed on the finger tip, ear lobe or the toes on the feet. Pulse oximters are so called because they react only to pulsations of the blood vessels.

Pulse oximeters are an absolute must in all ICU, neonatal units, Emergency rooms. CCU units and the operating room. Many times, these devices are used on the general medical floor to assess the breathing status of a patient. The majority of patients with moderate to severe heart and lung problems need pulse Oximetry.

The pulse oximeters work by passing a beam of red and infrared light though a pulsating blood vessel. The ratio of red to infra red blood light transmitted provides a measure of the oxygen saturation of the blood. The oximeter notices the pulse and then deducts the intensity of color perceived when the pulse is absent. The residual intensity of color corresponds to only the oxygenated red blood. This is shown on the electronic screen as a percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.