How To Buy A Recording Pulse Oximeter

By Deanne Shepard


Pulse oximetry is important in many situations making it necessary to carry the device everywhere. Recording pulse oximeter is an oximetry device used for measuring the level of saturation of blood oxygen and the rate of heart beat. The word recording is used because the device is able to record and maintain a list of values in memory. Memory is normally in form of a computer, which runs the software that accompanies the device.

With advancing technology sophistication of modern devices is very high making it necessary to have some knowledge about them before setting out to buy one. Novice buyers can find the information in this writing useful. Generally, battery type, size, comfort, display, wireless or Bluetooth capability, accuracy, compatibility with other gadgets, perfusion index, and warranty are some of the factors to consider when buying an oximeter.

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.

Devices with alarm systems have added advantage because they are life-saving. The life-saving capability comes in because the gadget can be set by the user to notify them upon the occurrence of certain events. For instance, the user gets notified when their blood oxygen saturation level or heart rate falls or rises beyond a given level. This feature can be very vital for people under critical medical conditions.

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.

Devices with Bluetooth and/or wireless capabilities are able to automatically download all recorded data on a PC. The user can set the download to happen at given intervals. This way, data is backed up for future use at all times. The health staff in a home finds such capabilities useful because they do not need to disturb the patient to take readings.

Price depends on quality and features the device has. When choosing, one should avoid trading quality with cost. That can be risky in critical use. Getting a device with a high level of accuracy costs a lot.




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