Understanding Pulse Oximeter and its readings
Pulse oximeters are an important patient care device that are non-invasive and aid in calculating the level of oxygen in the blood and pulse rate for all skin types. These values are critical for the treatment of an individual’s chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. For otherwise healthy people, the normal range for SpO2 is 95% to 100%, 92% or less suggests possible hypoxia, and a normal pulse rate is between 60 – 100 bpm. Although being one of the important technological advancements, there are some drawbacks to utilising POs.
There are numerous factors that influence the pulse oximeter readings, and these include skin colour, perfusion levels, nail health (nail polish, artificial nails), patient movement, and external causes such as exposure to direct sunlight can change the reading and generate problems. Hence, it is extremely important to choose a good pulse oximeter, which does not compromise on the reading and provides accurate output. This Pristine Market Insights article highlights the five major factors to search for when choosing the best pulse oximeter.
Types of Pulse Oximeters
Selecting the right oximeter depends on the purpose it is used for. Here are their types and uses:
Fingertip Pulse Oximeters
Most common and widely used oximeter as it is small, easy to carry and use. It is used for home monitoring, fitness and sports individuals and paediatric use for assessment of vital signs.
Handheld Pulse Oximeters
It is best for clinical use in hospitals and clinics and is suitable for continuous monitoring. It comes with a connection via a cable to the handheld unit. It has a robust data display and is more accurate and slightly expensive than the fingertip model.
Wrist-Worn Pulse Oximeters
It has a probe that is attached to the finger, and the display is worn on the wrist. More convenient to use for continuous or long-term monitoring as they are worn on the wrist, similar to a watch. In patients with conditions like sleep apnea, where overnight monitoring is required, this is a very useful device.
5 Key Criteria to Consider While Buying the Most Accurate Pulse Oximeter
It’s critical to assess additional features after determining which kind of pulse oximeter best meets the requirements. These five essential factors will assist in selecting the most precise pulse oximeter for a given set of needs.
Clinical Validation and Regulatory Clearance
There are a significant percentage of the pulse oximeters found in stores that are not approved by the FDA. This raises questions about accuracy and reliability. Items that have been cleared by the FDA have been heavily tested to ensure that requirements for safety and performance are satisfied.
Accuracy Specifications (SpO2 and Pulse Rate)
Finding an oximeter whose claims are backed by evidence, e.g. published peer-reviewed papers and studies, is necessary. Error margin of ±2% SpO2 is permissible in the clinically significant range of 90 to 100% SpO2. Accuracy decreases when oxygen saturation in the blood is between 90% to 80% and is least accurate when the blood oxygen saturation is below 80%. Studies show that using the right middle finger gives the highest average, while the use of the pinky finger or thumb is discouraged.
Performance in Challenging Conditions
“Skin Pigmentation and Low Perfusion”
Pulse oximeter operates by detecting the red and infrared light absorbed by the melanin in the body. Pulse oximeters are less reliable for individuals with darker skin colours, as reported by a study. These variations can give inaccurate results. An imprecise oximeter provides incorrect readings in the situation of low perfusion states, i.e. chilled hands, hypotension, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to verify if the oximeter explicitly states accuracy with patients of different skin tones and low perfusion patients.
“Motion Artefacts”
They arise from the movement of blood in the veins and the movement of skin and the veins below the skin. This can result in false or missed alarm signals, making it hard to interpret the exact situation. It is important to get a device that is less motion sensitive and thus gives accurate results.
Display and User-Friendliness:
The pulse oximeter display should be clear, large, bright, and easy to read. It should be simple to operate without much complication in the setup. It is beneficial to have a signal strength indicator, which can help to confirm a good signal and thus give more reliable results.
Durability and Brand Reputation:
One should consider the overall durability of the device if it is to be used frequently. Look for the warranty given by the manufacturer and also a prompt customer service in case of an emergency. Always research the reputable brands in the market and go for the one which is well-known for producing quality medical devices. It is necessary to check the brand details, as many players are emerging in the pulse oximeter market which the FDA has not approved.
Conclusion
Choosing the right and accurate pulse oximeter should not be complicated. Understanding the different types, features, and individual needs can help spot the best oximeter out there. Using a medical device that is reliable is very important for health monitoring.