The Medical Oxygen Monitor and Its Functions

Oxygen monitors (also called pulse oximeters) are devices which monitor and measure the SpO2 (saturation of peripheral oxygen or the percentage of oxygen in the hemoglobin) of the patient . Nowadays, you can find on the market various models of oxygen monitors: some are intended for professional medical use, while others are designed for monitoring the blood oxygen levels whenever necessary without specialized help: at home, at work, on the field or in the gym.

Medical oxygen monitors are usually more complex, accurate and reliable (and expensive) than the basic portable models. They have more advanced features, being able to offer the hospital personnel detailed information about the patient’s condition.

There are several types of hospital-grade oxygen monitors:

1. Tabletop models. These pulse oximeters offer the medical personnel a wide range of functions for a complex and reliable patient evaluation. They include the following: reusable finger sensors, digital display of SpO2 (some models also measure the CO2) and heart rate, motion algorithm which identifies and corrects patient motions, rapid detection of the spot with the strongest pulse signal, fewer false alarms, high visibility which allow quick reactions, high memory settings, a built-in printer etc. Some advanced functions may differ from one model to another. The cost of tabletop medical oxygen monitors starts at about $700 and goes up depending on the complexity of the features.

2. Portable handheld models. These medical oxygen monitors offer fast and reliable SpO2 and heart rate readings. They are pocket-sized, easy to operate, being perfect for health care facilities where mobility and rapid reaction are mandatory. Handheld medical pulse oximeters come with a finger sensor that is usually attached to the device by a cable. The costs range between $200 and $1000.

3. Portable fingertip models. Being continually tested and improved, compact finger oxygen monitors are becoming nowadays more accurate and reliable. For this reason, they began to be used not only by home consumers and people working in dangerous environments, but also by professionals. Their versatility makes them irreplaceable in various circumstances: emergency situations, fast check-ups at the clinic or at a training facility. Cost-efficiency is another great advantage of these small devices which can be carried in a pocket or around the neck of the physician.

4. Oxygen monitors as a part of a vital signs monitor. In hospitals, especially in intensive care units, it is more convenient to observe all vital signs of a patient with a complex patient monitoring equipment which usually includes SpO2 readings. In such circumstances, portability is less important than accuracy, continual readings and antiseptic conditions. These medical monitors allow the hospital staff to monitor the vital signs of a patient at all times. In case a dangerous change occurs, audible and visible alarms will alert the staff to take immediate action.

Medical oxygen monitors are being used in hospital on a regular basis: for routine examinations and procedures, for emergency situations, during mechanical ventilation and for monitoring patients under anesthesia. They are suitable for all types of applications: neonatal, pediatric and adult.