What To Consider When Buying A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Deanne Shepard


Pulse oximetry is currently of great importance and some people are forced to carry an oximeter everywhere they go. Recording pulse oximeter is one of the models of oximetry devices used to measure blood oxygen saturation and heart beat. The device has the capability to store all values captured over time in a memory hence the name recording. A computer that is running the software that is sold together with the device serves as the memory.

Modern devices are always increasing in the level of sophistication that it is necessary to have some background information about what to look for when buying them. This article presents some of the basic components to consider when making a purchase. In general, the factors to consider include battery type, size, comfort, perfusion index, display, accuracy, warranty, wireless or Bluetooth capability, and compatibility with other devices among others.

Alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are the 2 types of batteries in these devices. Alkaline batteries cannot be serviced because they come already fixed in the oximeter. They can last many years, but they must be replaced when they eventually degrade. The affect the accuracy and performance of the device greatly once they start failing. The life of some models is also limited due to lack of replacement batteries.

On the contrary, rechargeable batteries last longer making them cost effective. The only service they need is recharging, when power runs out. Charging is even more convenient because it can be done when the gadget is in use. Some recent oximeter models are however capable of using both alkaline and rechargeable batteries. This provides much flexibility to the user in terms of power sources. Such models are better than those that are specific in the battery type they can use.

There is life-saving capability in products that have alarm systems. Alarms are set by the user to ring upon the occurrence of certain events. For example, when heart rate or blood O2 concentration goes above or below a specific level, the device through the alarm system, notifies the user. The health staff can therefore react fast enough to such occurrences if the patient is under a comma or sedatives.

The display is the interface through which the user is able to understand the values measured by the instrument. The display should be readable and clear enough to be seen without much trouble. Cheap models have standard LED displays, but the expensive models have better displays. The display should also be able to show other data such as battery level, perfusion index, pulse meter and waveform, and menus among others.

Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.

Cost is dependent on quality and features incorporated in the device. Quality should not be traded for cost when making a purchase because that can be dangerous. Some of the most accurate devices cost very highly.




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