What To Consider When Buying A Recording Pulse Oximeter


By on 09:48

By Deanne Shepard


The importance of pulse oximetry has made it a requirement for some people to carry oximeters wherever the go. Recording pulse oximeter is among oximetry devices in use today. It measures heart rate and blood oxygen concentration as the two major aspects. It can also store data recorded over time in memory making it necessary to include the word recording in the name. Normally data is backed up on computers with supporting software.

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.

Batteries normally come in 2 types, that is, alkaline and rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Alkaline batteries come permanently fitted in the gadget and cannot be serviced. They are capable of lasting several years, but they eventually degrade and need to be replaced. When they start failing, they can cause a major degradation in performance and accuracy of the device. Some models may also not have replacements for the battery shortening their life span.

Rechargeable batteries are on the contrary cost effective because they last longer. Power is depleted as they are used and must be recharged. Most devices can still be used as they get charged. Recent technology allow some gadgets to be able to use both kinds of batteries. The user is therefore presented with more flexibility in terms of choice of power source. It is better to settle for such brands of devices than ones that are specific in the kind of battery 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.

All values recorded by the gadget are presented to the user through the display interface. The display chosen should be clear and readable with minimum effort. Expensive models normally have superior displays as opposed to LED displays in cheap models. Additional data like battery level, pulse meter and waveform, menus, and perfusion index should also be displayed.

Bluetooth and other wireless capabilities allow the gadget to automatically download recorded values on a computer. The download can be set to happen at predetermined time intervals. This ensures that no data is lost and a record of values is maintained for future use and reference. Such capabilities are useful to health workers in homes because they can keep track of the blood oxygen saturation and heart rate in a patient without disrupting them.

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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About Syed Faizan Ali

Faizan is a 17 year old young guy who is blessed with the art of Blogging,He love to Blog day in and day out,He is a Website Designer and a Certified Graphics Designer.