How To Buy A Recording Pulse Oximeter

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.

With advancing technology, which raises sophistication in modern devices, one may need to know the exact features to look for in a device before buying. The information in this article is important for novice buyers. Generally, some of the factors to be considered include battery type, display, accuracy, warranty, size, comfort, wireless or Bluetooth capability, compatibility with other gadgets, and perfusion index 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.

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 that have Bluetooth and/or wireless capability automatically download recorded data on computers. Users can set the downloads to occur at preferred intervals. This allows for backing up of data to be used later. This capability benefits health workers and patients because patients do not have to be disturbed 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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