Data collected over time through pulse oximetry can be used to check two types of information about a patient. The two pieces of information are blood oxygen saturation percentage and the heart rate. This method is non-invasive and does not involve penetrating the body in any way. For patients receiving CPAP therapy for apnea, a recording pulse oximeter can be used to determine the efficiency of the therapy.
According to research blood oxygen percentage drops at night when apnea activities are taking place. Oximeters with recording functionalities can record such drops for use in comparing with previous recordings. Variations in the comparisons can be based on to determine the efficiency of therapy. Additional features in oximeters with recording capabilities make it worthwhile to own one of these devices. For instance, one can determine their heart rate and saturation of oxygen in blood on the spot.
Instant checking of the two parameters assists one to determine the effects of changes in air pressure and altitude on brain functions. The parameters are also normally a concern to individuals taking part in strenuous activities such as exercise. Before buying an oximeter, the buyer should check the presence of following features.
The display should be the first factor to consider when making a purchase. Ordinary devices based on LED displays display heart rates and saturation of O2 in blood as the only pieces of information. Complex devices however, display more data on a better screen. Most common additional data displayed includes pulse waveform, various menus, pulse meter, perfusion index, and battery level indicator. Depending on the make of product, the menus open various functions.
All good devices include the alarm function. Alarms are vital because they warn users when threshold values are exceeded or have fallen below. Normally the threshold values can be determined by the user themselves. Users therefore get warned when blood oxygen saturation or heart rate falls or exceeds a certain level. The alarm also warns users when the battery is empty or below a certain percentage.
These products come with two main types of batteries to choose from. The first type is the rechargeable lithium ion battery and the second one is the standard alkaline battery. The rechargeable type as suggested in the name can be recharged and reused when they run low. This way, they can last for several years unlike the alkaline types which when they wear out cannot be recharged. Some models of products can use both types of batteries. So it is upon the user to try that possibility out.
Comfort is a factor that must never be overlooked. A good gadget is one that allows some level of comfort to the user. Although most clip-based designs are placed on the finger, one should ensure that they are comfortable even after hours of using the gadget. If there is any form of discomfort, the fingers can always be switched.
Additional functionalities may be checked after ensuring that the important ones are present. Normally oximeters have accompanying software that is installed on a PC. Devices with wireless capability transmit recorded data to the PC in real time. Caregivers and other third parties can benefit from such capabilities.
According to research blood oxygen percentage drops at night when apnea activities are taking place. Oximeters with recording functionalities can record such drops for use in comparing with previous recordings. Variations in the comparisons can be based on to determine the efficiency of therapy. Additional features in oximeters with recording capabilities make it worthwhile to own one of these devices. For instance, one can determine their heart rate and saturation of oxygen in blood on the spot.
Instant checking of the two parameters assists one to determine the effects of changes in air pressure and altitude on brain functions. The parameters are also normally a concern to individuals taking part in strenuous activities such as exercise. Before buying an oximeter, the buyer should check the presence of following features.
The display should be the first factor to consider when making a purchase. Ordinary devices based on LED displays display heart rates and saturation of O2 in blood as the only pieces of information. Complex devices however, display more data on a better screen. Most common additional data displayed includes pulse waveform, various menus, pulse meter, perfusion index, and battery level indicator. Depending on the make of product, the menus open various functions.
All good devices include the alarm function. Alarms are vital because they warn users when threshold values are exceeded or have fallen below. Normally the threshold values can be determined by the user themselves. Users therefore get warned when blood oxygen saturation or heart rate falls or exceeds a certain level. The alarm also warns users when the battery is empty or below a certain percentage.
These products come with two main types of batteries to choose from. The first type is the rechargeable lithium ion battery and the second one is the standard alkaline battery. The rechargeable type as suggested in the name can be recharged and reused when they run low. This way, they can last for several years unlike the alkaline types which when they wear out cannot be recharged. Some models of products can use both types of batteries. So it is upon the user to try that possibility out.
Comfort is a factor that must never be overlooked. A good gadget is one that allows some level of comfort to the user. Although most clip-based designs are placed on the finger, one should ensure that they are comfortable even after hours of using the gadget. If there is any form of discomfort, the fingers can always be switched.
Additional functionalities may be checked after ensuring that the important ones are present. Normally oximeters have accompanying software that is installed on a PC. Devices with wireless capability transmit recorded data to the PC in real time. Caregivers and other third parties can benefit from such capabilities.
