Saturation Meters

Pulse oximetry (aided by mechanical devices known as saturation meters) is a noninvasive method for monitoring a person’s oxygen saturation level.

The pulse oximetry (saturation meters) normal range has an important role to play in the life of a human being. The plus OX is measured with the level of oxygen in your body. Medically it is termed as SpO2. For a normal healthy human being, the level must-reads from 95 to 100 per cent. Normally, a PaO2 reading below 80 mm Hg or a pulse ox (SpO2) below 95 per cent is considered low. It’s important to know what’s normal for you, especially if you have chronic lung conditions or other issues in your breathing system or blood construction. It also includes asthma, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  And this is where the oxygen saturation machine comes into action.

All you need to know about the oxygen saturation machine

A pulse oximeter machine is a special technological gadget that serves to perform a noninvasive and painless test. These tests are meant to measure the oxygen saturation level or level of oxygen in the blood. A handheld pulse oximeter can rapidly detect even the smallest changes in how efficiently oxygen is being carried to the furthest from your heart. Generally, these machines as structured as a small, clip-like device attached to any body part like the earlobe or toes. These devices are used in critical care settings like hospitals and emergency rooms. The pulmonologists may use them in the office as well.

The uses and purpose of saturation machines

The core purpose of these saturation machines is to check how well the heart pumps oxygen and what part of your body. Further, they are used to monitor the health of individuals with any conditions that may impact the blood oxygen level. In hospitals, they are commonly used in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, lung cancer, anaemia, congenital heart defects, heart attack or heart failure. These devices are also used to assess how well the lung medication is working or if someone needs help in breathing or not.

How does the machine works

During the assessment of the patient, a small clip-like device is placed on a finger, toe or earlobe. Small beams of light then pass through the blood in the finger. This light is responsible for measuring the amount of oxygen. This is done by measuring the changes of light absorption in the oxygenated or deoxygenated blood. This light brings no harm to the human body in any way. Plus, the process is entirely painless. Moreover, the device also helps evaluate and give a reading about your oxygen saturation level and heart rate.

Procedure steps of a handheld pulse oximeter

These devices can be used in both outpatient and inpatient settings. Also, in some cases, the doctors may suggest a pulse oximeter for home use. A standard works by placing the clip on the finger or earlobe. You will need to keep the probe on for as long as needed to monitor the pulse and oxygen saturation. The attached small screen will assist you with the reading and how long you will need to keep it. Once the test is over, the clip or probe will be removed. The process is simple, and with little understanding, you can manage it on your own.

How to read the pulse oximetry

The pulse oximetry generally gives accurate tests, and they are especially true when using high-quality equipment. These devices can serve results within a 2-per cent difference either way of what it truly is. Typically above 89 per cent of your blood should be carrying oxygen. So if your reading is 82percent, it means your oxygen saturation level is somewhere between 80 to 84 per cent. The oxygen saturation level of 95 per cent is considered normal for a healthy individual. Whereas 92 per cent indicate potential hypoxemia or deficiency in oxygen reaching the body tissues.