Our Recommendations for Nurses, Respiratory Therapists, & More
econd to your stethoscope, your pulse oximeter is likely the medical tool you use the most on a day-to-day basis. These small devices measure the proportion of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood supply (SpO2) as well as the pulse, and are an essential part of some checkups. Like the stethoscope or otoscope, an oximeter offers a simple way to check the body’s vital signs and gives you a quick snapshot of the health of an individual. For these reasons, it’s important to invest in a high-quality, accurate pulse oximeter.
As a nurse, doctor or caregiver, you already know why monitoring SpO2 is so important, but let’s do a quick recap. Pulse oximetry is key in almost any scenario where a condition affects the body’s blood oxygen levels, including heart attack, heart failure, sleep apnea, COPD, anemia, lung cancer, asthma and pneumonia. You may also need to monitor blood oxygen levels during physical activity or after surgery, to determine how well medication is working or if a ventilator is needed.
So, how do they work? It’s actually pretty complex, but we’ll give you a quick rundown. These sensors pass two wavelengths of light (red and infrared light) through the body into a photodetector, which measures the changing absorbance at each wavelength. Deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light, while oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light. In extremely simple terms, how much light is absorbed or passed through the hemoglobin indicates a person’s blood oxygen level.
Most often, blood saturation levels are monitored via a clip-on sensor device (usually clipped onto the fingertip or earlobe), but more and more medical professionals are turning to wearable and handheld pulse oximeters. The handheld styles that were once limited to hospital use are now more accessible and affordable for doctor’s offices, clinics and individuals. Not every type of pulse oximeter is right for every scenario, though. Let’s take a look at the three most popular kinds to determine which one is best for your needs and budget.
If this is your first time shopping for pulse oximeters or if you have minimal experience with these devices, it’s important that you take some time to understand what makes a good one. For high-tech nurses, doctors and other medical professionals, integration with a smartphone app may be a necessity. For others, perhaps those with limited eyesight, readability may be an important factor. If you’ve ever dealt with a finicky or inaccurate pulse oximeter, you know why it’s so important to find the right one.
With all of this being said, you still may not know exactly which specific pulse oximeter is most appropriate for your job duties or expectations. Nurses have different needs than respiratory therapists, and sleep specialists may benefit more from extra features than elderly caregivers. We’re happy to give you some suggestions for the best pulse oximeters out there based on your duties.
With so many different pulse oximeters on the market, it can be somewhat difficult to know which one is best for your particular needs. But if you have a basic understanding of what to look for, then you’ll be well-equipped to find a style that feels tailor-made to you, your budget and your everyday job duties. We’re always here to help you find the right style for your unique needs, whether you need a cutting-edge smart oximeter with all the bells and whistles or something basic and affordable for at-home or clinical use.
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