The importance of a finger pulse oximeter is something we keep hearing about nowadays because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are all aware that the finger pulse oximeter is an extremely useful device but what exactly are its uses and how it helps us during these difficult times is still unclear to people who aren’t a part of the medical field.
Coronavirus affects the lungs; the lungs perform the key function of absorbing the oxygen from the air that we inhale. As a result, when the lungs are affected, the process of oxygen filtration is hindered. This is what causes the main COVID-19 symptoms of shortness of breath and inability to breathe deeply. The finger pulse oximeter monitors this drop in oxygen level.
The finger pulse oximeter is extremely useful in:
Ease of Use
The device is small and portable and is available in a small cardboard box in which are present other than the finger pulse oximeter itself, two batteries and one detachable rope. Before using the device, the batteries have to be inserted through a push open cover at the back. The device is then ready for use.
Read: COVID 19 – Airborne Spread Is the New Risk
Measurement of Parameters
After switching on the pulse oximeter, the index finger should be placed in the probe. Information on two important parameters will be displayed:
SpO2 indicates the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. For a normal person, this value can be anywhere between 96-100. A reading below 94 shows that the working of the lungs has been affected.
The pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. This value for a normal person can lie anywhere between 60-90 beats per minute. Oxygen saturation levels lesser than 94 and pulse rates of 50 beats per minute or lesser require immediate examination by a doctor.
By keeping track of these two important parameters, patients can conveniently self-assess at home and can stay alert to any deterioration in health.
Read: How to exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic
Few Pointers to Keep in Mind
To get a detailed understanding about the usage of a pulse oximeter visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIbqgcBbzZI
Coronavirus affects the lungs; the lungs perform the key function of absorbing the oxygen from the air that we inhale. As a result, when the lungs are affected, the process of oxygen filtration is hindered. This is what causes the main COVID-19 symptoms of shortness of breath and inability to breathe deeply. The finger pulse oximeter monitors this drop in oxygen level.
The finger pulse oximeter is extremely useful in:
- Monitoring oxygen saturation for people in home quarantine
- Keeping an eye on people who are suffering from mild COVID symptoms
Ease of Use
The device is small and portable and is available in a small cardboard box in which are present other than the finger pulse oximeter itself, two batteries and one detachable rope. Before using the device, the batteries have to be inserted through a push open cover at the back. The device is then ready for use.
Read: COVID 19 – Airborne Spread Is the New Risk
Measurement of Parameters
After switching on the pulse oximeter, the index finger should be placed in the probe. Information on two important parameters will be displayed:
- The oxygen saturation level or SpO2
- Pulse rate
SpO2 indicates the oxygen carrying ability of the blood. For a normal person, this value can be anywhere between 96-100. A reading below 94 shows that the working of the lungs has been affected.
The pulse rate is the number of heartbeats per minute. This value for a normal person can lie anywhere between 60-90 beats per minute. Oxygen saturation levels lesser than 94 and pulse rates of 50 beats per minute or lesser require immediate examination by a doctor.
By keeping track of these two important parameters, patients can conveniently self-assess at home and can stay alert to any deterioration in health.
Read: How to exercise during the Covid-19 pandemic
Few Pointers to Keep in Mind
- The finger pulse oximeter will automatically turn off if the presence of the index finger in the probe is not detected for 10 seconds.
- Proper placement of fingers in the probe is very important to get correct readings.
- Nails painted with nail polish and the use of artificial nails while measuring can lead to incorrect SpO2 readings.
- While measuring, any excessive or jerky movements need to be avoided to get accurate readings.
To get a detailed understanding about the usage of a pulse oximeter visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIbqgcBbzZI
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