3 Types of Pulse Oximeters
When you need a pulse oximeter, it is best to educate yourself about the types of pulse oximeters that are available to purchase. Once you know what types of oximeters are available, and how they work, you can then choose the one that is right for you.
1 – Fingertip Oximeter
A fingertip pulse oximeter is arguably the most common type. This, as the name suggests, is placed over the fingertip. When it is worn, it can provide you with a very accurate reading of your blood oxygen levels. It is also really easy to operate and the reading it provide is easy to decipher, so anyone can use the fingertip pulse oximeter. However, there are a couple of disadvantages of using this device. The main one is that if you are wearing nail polish, or if you have a cut in the area, it will affect the reading and you won’t get an accurate reading of your oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
2 – Wrist Pulse Oximeters
Unlike the traditional, and most common type, which I just mentioned above, wrist pulse oximeter is placed over the wrist. This is a much more convenient method of testing blood oxygen saturation levels for the reason that it means that you can still use your hands for other activities that you need to do. This type is ideal for those who have medical issues that directly affect their blood oxygen levels, and need to monitor on a frequent basis. A wrist pulse oximeter can be worn on the go as well to keep track of hemoglobin saturation. The wrist pulse oximeter won’t get in the way of other activities, so it can be worn more discreetly, and it leaves your hands free for driving or whatever other activity you may need to do.
3 – Handheld Pulse Oximeter
It is also a common type and it is more often used in a medical facility setting. It provides a highly accurate reading of a person’s blood oxygen saturation level. It is usually attached to the fingertip or the earlobe, and then a cord connects that device to a small computer with a screen. Although this type of pulse oximeter is very efficient and accurate, it is not ideal for use in a home setting for the reason that it is not as easy to operate as other types of pulse oximeters. I suggest you to check this out now for more info.