How To Oxygen saturation can be measured using a pulse oximeter.
The level of oxygen in the blood is measured using pulse oximetry.Oxygen saturation should always be over 95 percent.If you have a respiratory disease or congenital heart disease, your oxygen saturation may be lower.A pulse oximeter, a clip-like sensor device that is placed on a thin part of your body, can be used to measure the blood's percentage of oxygen saturation.
Step 1: Oxygen and blood are related.
Oxygen enters the lungs.The majority of the oxygen goes into the blood.Our red blood cells carry oxygen through the bloodstream to the rest of our body and tissues.Our body is given the oxygen it needs in this way.
Step 2: Understand why the procedure is done.
Oxygen saturation in the blood can be assessed using pulse oximetry.In surgeries and other procedures, it is often used to make any changes to supplemental oxygen.If an adjustment of supplemental oxygen is needed, a pulse oximeter can be used to determine patient tolerance to increased activity levels.If you have a serious medical condition, such as heart attack, congestive heart failure, COPD, or pneumonia, your physician may recommend pulse oximetry.
Step 3: Understand how the oximeter works.
The level of oxygen in the body can be measured with the help of the light absorptive characteristics of hemoglobin.A device called a probe has a light source, light detector, and microprocessor, which compares and calculates the differences in oxygen rich versus oxygen poor hemoglobin.One side of the probe has a light source with two different types of light.The body's tissues transmit the two types of light to the light detector on the other side of the probe.Hemoglobin that is more saturated with oxygen absorbs more of the red light.The probe calculates the differences and converts them to a digital value.The amount of oxygen carried in the blood is determined by this value.Relative light absorption is measured multiple times a second.A new reading is given by the machine after these measurements are processed.The last 3 seconds are averaged out.
Step 4: Know the risks of the procedure.
There are minimal risks associated with pulse oximetry.You may experience tissue breakdown at the site where the probe is applied if you use the oximeter for a long time.Skin irritation can occur when using probes.Depending on your medical health, there may be other risks.If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
Step 5: You can choose the pulse oximeter that fits your needs.
There are different types of pulse oximeters.The portable handheld and fingertip pulse oximeters are the most popular.drugstores, big-box stores, and even online can be used to purchase portable pulse oximeters.Most pulse oximeters look like clothespins.The probes can be placed on your finger or forehead.Children and infants should use probes that are appropriate.
Step 6: Make sure the oximeter is charged.
If the oximeter is not portable, plug it into the wall outlet.If the unit is portable, make sure it has enough battery charge by turning it on.
Step 7: Determine if you need to get a single reading or continuous monitoring.
The probe will be removed after the test if you don't have continuous monitoring.
Step 8: Remove anything that absorbs light.
If you plan to use the oximeter on your finger, it's important that you remove dried blood or nail polish that absorbs light to avoid false low readings.
Step 9: Warm the area where the probe is going to be attached.
The oximeter can make an error in its reading if the cold causes poor blood flow.Before starting the procedure, make sure the finger, ear, or forehead is warm.
Step 10: There should be no sources of environmental interference.
The light sensor can be blind by high levels of ambient light, such as overhead lights and phototherapy lights.Troubleshoot by covering the sensor with a towel or blanket.
Step 11: You should wash your hands.
This will reduce the transmission of diseases.
Step 12: Attach the probe to it.
The probes are placed on the finger.The oximeter needs to be turned on.According to research, the earlobe is not a good site for the measurement of oxygen saturation.If a finger probe is used, the hand should be placed on the chest at the level of the heart rather than in the air.This helps to keep the motion to a minimum.Take care of movement.excessive movement is the most common cause of inaccurate oximeter readings.One way to make sure that motion isn't affecting the reading is to check the displayed heart rate when you check it manually.The two rates should be close to each other.
Step 13: The measurement can be read.
You can see your oxygen saturation level and pulse rate on a screen.Normal is a range of 85% to 100%.If your oxygen level drops below 85%, you should seek medical attention.
Step 14: Records of the readings should be kept.
If your oximeter has this capability, you can either print out readings or download them onto a computer.
Step 15: The oximeter can make an error.
Make sure there is no interference from the environment or the probe site if you think your oximeter has given an inaccurate reading.Rub skin.If you want to open the blood vessels, apply a vasodilator.Try another probe site.Try a different probe.If you're still unsure about the oximeter's functioning, you should talk to your doctor.