Types of Pulse Oximeter

Before, when measuring the oxygen level or amount in the blood, doctors would get a blood sample directly from the artery. In today’s modern way, the oxygen level is now measured through the used of a Pulse Oximeter. The Pulse Oximeter is placed in the finger or any sensory part of the body and the device calculates the level. However there are different types of Oximeters in the market depending on the needs of the patient. The first type of the pulse oximeter is the fingertip Oximeter which is the easiest type to operate. It often used at home. The fingertip Oximeter clips into a finger of the patient and has a tiny computer and screen. The pulse works by emitting the light from one side and measures the light on the other. But if the hand is damaged and the clot or injury makes the blood flow too slow, the fingertip Oximeter may not work or give accurate reading of the oxygen level in blood. The type of the Oximeter that is used in almost every hospital is called the handheld Oximeter. It is somewhat similar to the fingertip type of the oximeter but it has a more versatile clip that has a cord connected to a computer. The handheld Pulse Oximeter is clipped to the fingertip or earlobe of the patient. It utilizes light, just like the fingertip pulse oximeter to calculate the blood’s hemoglobin. However, it is rare for the earlobe to have compromised blood flow. That is why in emergencies, the doctors or health care professionals clip the handheld Oximeter to a patient’s toe. The third type is the fetal Oximeter. Since it is difficult to place a traditional analysis on a baby before birth, the development of the fetal Oximeter is very helpful. It is used to know the fetal oxygen level especially during labor. The fetal Oximeter was developed in the 1990’s; it is inserted into the birth canal and placed on the baby’s skull. The sensor is attached to a cord leading to a computer and it shoots light across the probe and measures the level of hemoglobin in the baby’s scalp. Additionally, the probe can measure the heartbeat of the baby. Knowing the different types of the oximeter gives you hints on what you really need especially when you are undergoing an oxygen therapy or you wanted to monitor the oxygen level of your blood. Just buy the type of Oximeter that is suited for you.