Finger Pulse Oximeter Information

A pulse oximeter is a medical instrument to measure oxygen concentration in the blood. A finger pulse oximeter is a portable instrument that measures oxygen in the blood non-invasively. In earlier days, determining oxygen levels needed extracting blood samples but now this job is made earlier using modern digital technology making health care easy, fast and affordable. These days, portable oximeter is another household instrument just as high blood pressure monitor.

How does a FP oximeter work?

The pulse oximeter consists of two light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a photo diode on the other side to receive light. In between a translucent part of the body such as a finger tip or ear lobe is inserted. One of the LEDs emit red light and the other emits infrared. During the breathing cycle, the haemoglobin percentage in the blood changes with each breath or pulse. The oxygen saturated blood absorbs more infrared light and oxygen de-saturated blood absorbs more red light.

The photo receiver receives the light on the other end of the finger and measures this absorption. Based on the obtained numbers, the haemoglobin saturation in the blood is calculated and displayed in the digital display. A pulse rate also is displayed along with.

FP oximeter can give accurate results upto 1-2 per cent. It is non-invasive, repeatable, mobile and inexpensive.

• In sports and mountaineering, where a fall in oxygen levels in blood is possible, oximeter is used for easy and early detection.
• In conditions such as Asthma, the oxygen levels help in determining the severity of the attack needing doctor’s attention.
• In breathlessness condition (apnea) during sleep, a continuous record of oxygen using oximeter can aid in diagnosis and treatment.
• For people prescribed with supplemental oxygen, pulse oximeter helps in determining the needs quickly.
• Used in hospitals for patients in intensive care units, undergoing operations and during post operative recovery.

FP oximeter is a convenient method to measure oxygen saturation in the blood. However it does not measure the actual hemoglobin level in the blood.