Pulse oximeter: An insight.

Pulse oximeter.

Pulse – pulse rate.

Oximeter – oxygen saturation in blood.

Pulse oximeter is an electronic device used to measure pulse rate and oxygen saturation in the blood. It is a small portable non invasive battery operated device. It is easy to use. 

How does it works?

Pulse oximeter sends light with a smaller wavelength. These wavelengths travel in blood and by measuring changes in the wavelength of light of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

Uses:

1.Covid -19 infection.

2.Asthma.

3.Heart disease.

4.Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

5.Pnemonia.

6.To check the integrity of peripheral blood supply of injured limb.

Ideal method:

1.Apply pulse oximeter to the middle finger to the dominant hand. 

Other sites:

1.Toes.

2.Ear lobe.

Saturation levels.

1.For normal adults saturation of 94% without oxygen is taken as normal.

2.If saturation falls below 94% he / she may need oxygen support and hospitalization.

3.With oxygen patients aren’t able to maintain saturation above 94% please take the patient to hospital for further intervention.

Pulse rate: 

Normal pulse rate 60-100/ minute.

Above 100 need to consult a doctor.

1. 

Note:

1.Saturation needs to be checked every 3rd hourly.

2.Pulse oximeter used for a  covid patient should not be used by others.

3.If the patient is not very ill let them check it themselves 

4.The people who are taking care of covid patients are requested to wear proper gears like PPE, mask and gloves.

5.Don’t allow any relatives to meet Covid patients.

6.Those who are taking care of Covid patients are requested not to venture out and strictly avoid meeting other people.

7.For patients who are bedridden while awake should be sit in 45degree position.

8.Every 2nd hourly change in position in bed.

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Dr Saad Mohammad Athanikar.

Orthopaedic surgeon.