Scientific Facts about Oxygen Monitors and Oximetry

Do you know what is the main advantage of the blood oxygen monitor? In fact, it has two main advantages: it is a non-invasive method of determining your blood’s oxygen saturation (SaO2) and it can display the results immediately.

Oximetry is the modern alternative to blood gas tests performed in laboratory conditions. Such analyses require a blood sample (being an invasive procedure with painful side-effects) and time for determining the result. This is why oxygen monitors are a much better option.

Let’s review some scientific facts about oxygen monitors, for having a better understanding of these devices, their functions and their positive impact on the state of our health.

The oxygen monitor or the pulse oximeter generates specific light signals. These signals are transmitted through our tissue, at the same time monitoring the volume changes of the blood flow. The blood oxygen monitor operates as a spectrophotometer, using two light wavelengths. The infrared light range reacts to oxygen saturated hemoglobin. The red light range is influenced by hemoglobin with low levels of oxygen.

The oxygen monitor determines SaO2 by estimating the pulsing signals transmitted through tissue at two separate wavelengths. The signals are normalized by applying the constant absorption component at each specific wavelength. The micro computer contained in the monitor is performing a wide range of tasks at the same time: it manages the signal levels, makes the calculations, applies the signal validity schemes, controls the functional elements, trigger alarms and monitors its own working functions.

There are some clinical factors that can affect the accuracy of a blood oxygen monitor. The readings of the device can be influence by such trivial elements as nail polish, dark skin pigmentation, motion and strong lights. Venous congestion or the presence of fetal haemoglobin can also affect the oxygen monitor.

Which are the best places for attaching the pulse oxygen monitor? The most common spots are the fingertip and the earlobe. You can also clip it to the palm, wrist or forefoot in case of infants. Depending on the situation, you can also attach the instrument to the cheeks, toe, penis or nose.

When is it recommended to use the blood oxygen monitor? For patients in intensive care, the use of the device is mandatory. During mechanical ventilation, after anesthesia or in a severe heart dysfunction it’s absolutely necessary to constantly monitor the oxygen saturation level of the blood. The oxygen monitor should be used in children with heart malfunctions secondary with respiratory problems, in pulmonary rehabilitation and chronic lung diseases. You can also successfully use the device in less severe forms of respiratory and cardiac conditions or when monitoring a person receiving home oxygen therapy. It’s very useful as a prevention measure to many diseases. Also, it has to be used by representatives of many professions associated with high altitudes: pilots, mountain climbers and athletes.

When confronted with a specific problem – for example, the need of monitoring your blood oxygen level – the more information you have on the subject, the better you’ll be prepared for an efficient search of the solution.