A blood pressure monitor may be one of the most recognizable medical tools we have, but pulse oximeters are a close second for the most-used medical devices. Pulse oximeters, or pulse ox, measure the amount of oxygenated blood (Spo2) in your body, giving medical professionals an idea of how much oxygen your body is carrying to vital organs and tissues.
Pulse oximeters for home use allow patients to monitor vital signs with an extra layer. These tools give you a better view of your health and allow you to coordinate with your healthcare provider. If you have a condition that affects your blood oxygen levels — think sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, or heart failure, among many other conditions — you may benefit from an at-home pulse oximeter.
Be careful, however. Many cheap models found on the internet don’t do much to measure accurately. They’re labeled “for recreational use” and aren’t going to give you the measurements you need. We’ve put together a list of fingertip oximeters designed to deliver accurate results and peace of mind.
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Buying Guide
There are certain features that you must look at while buying the Pulse Oximeter. Apart from that, you must also check some other criteria. Here is a buying guide for purchasing a finger pulse Oximeter.
1. Accuracy
The first thing to check is that the Oximeter should be accurate. Check the error percentage and also check the perfusion index of the Oximeter. Remember that it is better to have a lower Perfusion Index.
2. Alarm and Warning System
Check for the types of warning systems that Oximeter has. Almost all Oximeter comes with an audio-visual warning system and ensures that this is not missing. Some of them have levels pre-set to trigger the warning while others have customizable warning limits. It is better to opt for customizable
3. Portability
Check for the portability of the Oximeter. Ensure that it is lightweight and it is also easy to carry. Most of the brands offer a pouch or a case to store the pulse meter. It is of great use as it protects the Oximeter from any sort of damage. You can also check if the Oximeter is water-resistant.
4. Screen
The next thing to check is the screen size and the type of screen. Opt for a colored screen and check if the screen comes with an auto-rotate functionality. This feature makes it very easy to take the readings. Also, the screen should be bright and large enough to take the readings
5. Warranty
Check for the warranty offered by the brand. The standard is a 1-year warranty but you can also find some of the Oximeters that come with a warranty for 1.5 years. It is certainly a good idea to opt for the product which offers a longer warranty
6. Cost &Brand
You must also check for the brand. Ensure that you do not opt for a locally manufactured Oximeter. Instead, opt for a brand that has high customer satisfaction and a good reputation. You can also check the cost of the Oximeter and it should be in your budget. You can get good deals on Amazon and other such websites.
7. Reviews
Check for the reviews and do not fall for the paid reviews. Check the genuine reviews of the users. You can find these genuine reviews on e-commerce sites and you can check for the reviews given by the verified purchases.
How to use a Finger Pulse Oximeter
It is very easy to use Finger Pulse Oximeter. Here is the step by step procedure to use Oximeter.
- Turn on the Oximeter with the help of the power button
- Place the Oximeter on the finger of the patient. It is a self-closing clamp. Ensure that the sensor is placed above the fingernail.
- Wait for the oximeter to get the reading. Most of the Oximeters will get you a reading within 10 seconds. Avoid much of movement during this time.
- Once the reading is displayed on the screen, check the SpO2 levels and also check the heart rate.
- If you would like to monitor for a longer time then leave the Oximeter on the fingertip in on state itself. It will keep checking the
- After checking the reading, simply remove the Oximeter and turn off the power. A lot of Oximeters comes with the auto-off feature as well.
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