In this article, we learn about the “Pulse Oximeter”, which became popular after the Corona virus pandemic.

Function of the blood oximeter:

The oximeter measures the amount of oxygen saturation in the blood in the arteries by calculating the light absorption of the vascular tissue pulse in two successive wavelengths. It measures the amount of oxygen in the blood without withdrawing any drop of blood from the patient.

It is used to take readings in the following cases:

 ·Operations room.

·Monitor the patient's condition outside the operating room.

·Monitor oxygen levels while giving the patient a strong anesthetic and analgesic.

·Knowing the patient's situation inside the house with the use of oxygen as a treatment.

·Routine monitoring to ensure that the patient is not at risk of developing hypoxemia.

 This device is one of the easiest ways in which the patient's oxygen level can be monitored.

 Oxygen meter features:

·Easy to use and read.

·The settings on the device are not complicated.

·It is safe and does not pose a risk to the patient.

 Oxygen meter types:

 There are two types of devices that you know as follows:

·Physician-prescribed devices that require approval from the Food and Drug Administration and that are prescribed by a prescription, must also be ensured that they work before they are prescribed to sectors such as: hospitals, doctors' offices, and sometimes to patients in their homes.

 ·Non-prescription devices can be found in the market without the need for any previous approvals, as they were developed to estimate the level of oxygen saturation in the blood, and people's need for these devices increased during the period of the Coronavirus epidemic.

 ·Oxygen meter readings:

 ·The oxygen meter shows two or three readings as follows:

·Most importantly, blood oxygen saturation levels, which appear as a percentage of the acronym Spo2.

·Heart rate and acronym PR.

·The device's signal strength may or may not be shown.

·And the percentage of oxygen should be higher than 90-92% measured by Spo2, and any number lower than this indicates a lack of oxygen that needs medical intervention.

 Therefore, attention should be paid to the percentages that appear in addition to the specific readings.

 ·How is the oxygen meter used?

 ·The use of this small device is easy and simple to measure the percentage of oxygen in the blood and it is used by following the following steps:

 ·Get rid of any accessories or polish on your nails.

·Warm your hands if they are cold.

·Relax before taking the readings for at least 5 minutes.

·Place your hand on your chest along the place of the heart and then clamp it.

·Turn the device on and place it on your finger preferably the middle or index finger of any hand you want.

·Hold the device in your finger for a minute or more if the reading is not yet visible.

·Record the highest result that appears if no further reading appears within 5 seconds.

·Make sure you differentiate between your oxygen level reading and your heart rate reading that appears on the device's screen.

·It can also be attached to places other than the fingers, such as: the forehead, nose, toes, and ears.

 Important information when using an oxygen meter:

·Here is the most important information you should know when using the device:

·Pay attention to any changes in the readings, especially when they change downward over time, as this change means something.

·See a doctor if you doubt your health, as you cannot rely on the device to fully assess your health.

·Watch your reading at home, and if you notice these symptoms, see a doctor:

·Blue face, lips, or nails.

·Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.

·Cough that increases with time.

·Feeling of restlessness and insomnia.

·Chest pain or shortness of breath· 

.Increased heart rate.