The pulse oximeter. The small tool with a big impact

A pulse oximeter is a small but significant measuring instrument used to assess how well a patient's blood is oxygenated. It does this by measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse – two key parameters when assessing a patient's respiratory and cardiovascular condition.
In clinics and hospitals, pulse oximeters are used routinely to monitor patients. They are used both for acute conditions and in daily monitoring, such as for lung diseases like COPD, asthma, or cardiovascular diseases. However, they are also relevant in the home, for example for patients with chronic illnesses or for athletes who want to track their oxygen uptake during training. A pulse oximeter is placed on the finger and quickly provides a reading of SpO2 and pulse. It is painless and easy to use, as it simply sends light at two different wavelengths through the finger. The blood's light absorption is used to calculate the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Why are pulse oximeters important in healthcare?

When measuring SpO2, you get a direct insight into how well the body is being oxygenated. This is crucial when a patient has symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or if there is a suspicion of infections affecting the lungs. Normal oxygen saturation is typically between 97-99% in young, healthy individuals. In elderly or sleeping patients, the value may be slightly lower, around 95-97%. An SpO2 of 93% is still within the normal range, but it is recommended to keep an eye on values below this level.
When SpO2 drops to 90% or below, it can be a sign of incipient respiratory failure. At 85% and lower, there is severe respiratory failure, and levels below 60% can lead to unconsciousness and life-threatening situations.
Pulse oximeters allow healthcare staff to react quickly, often before symptoms become visible. This creates peace of mind for both the patient and the practitioner and can help prevent the condition from worsening.
Oxygen saturation and pulse are not things you can see with the naked eye, which is why pulse oximeters can reveal deterioration or improvement that cannot be seen or detected otherwise.

How can pulse oximeters be used to avoid complications?

Using pulse oximeters regularly allows for the early detection of drops in oxygen saturation. This makes it possible to intervene with treatment, such as supplemental oxygen, before the condition becomes critical.
For healthcare professionals in clinics and hospitals, pulse oximeters are part of the daily assessment. However, they are also useful tools in home care and for patients themselves. They provide the opportunity to track progress over time and respond to changes without having to wait for symptoms to appear.
It is not only sick patients who use pulse oximeters, however. Athletes are also known to use this small device to monitor their oxygen uptake during training. It can provide insight into the body's performance and help optimize recovery and training intensity.

See the pulse oximeters from Seagull Healthcare here.