Uses of Pulse Oximeter : How to use pulse Oximeter

Nithvik
2 Min Read

Some common uses of pulse oximeter include –

  • In cases of Asthma, oximeters can determine if a person needs assistance in breathing.
  • To monitor if a ventilator is effectively working on improving the patient’s oxygen or not. 
  • For lung patients, it can determine if a new medication is functioning. 
  • Many surgical procedures require the patient to be sedated. In such cases, an oximeter used to monitor the oxygen level. 
  • Athletes and sportsperson use it to evaluate their oxygen capacity with increased physical activity. 
  • While trying a new oxygen therapy treatment.
  • In cases of sleep apnea, a pulse oximeter is used to evaluate if a patient stops breathing momentarily while asleep.

READ ALSO: Best Pulse Oximeters in India (2021)

Uses of Pulse Oximeter
Uses of Pulse Oximeter

Medical Conditions which require Oximeters

If you or your closed one suffer from any of the below medical ailments, it is advisable to keep an oximeter handy. 

  • Asthma
  • Pneumonia
  • Anaemia
  • COPD or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease 
  • Lung Cancer
  • Heart Attack
  • Congenital Heart Defects

How to use a pulse oximeter?

Follow these steps to get an accurate reading from your oximeter –

  • Take the oximeter, which is a clip-like device. 
  • Place it on any finger, preferably the index finger. Please don’t get confused.  The fact is that oximeters work in other parts of the body, such as the toes. 
  • Once you put it on your finger, you will feel a slight pressure. But there won’t be any pain or pinching while the device takes your reading.
  • Wait for a few seconds. Usually, devices take 10 seconds. But some high-quality oximeters can even produce the result in 6 seconds. 
  • You will be able to see the real-time reading of your pulse and blood oxygen level.  
  • Once you have noted the oximeter readings, remove the device. 

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