Oxygen therapy can improve the symptoms and quality of life of these patients but also has some potential risks and side effects; therefore, it is important to monitor the oxygen levels of patients who receive oxygen therapy.
This is where pulse oximeters come in as they will ensure that a person is getting the appropriate amount of oxygen whether they are using a portable oxygen concentrator or being provided one.
Pulse oximeters are devices that measure the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in the blood, which is an indicator of how well the blood is carrying oxygen to the tissues and organs.
Pulse oximeters are non-invasive, meaning that they do not require a blood sample or a needle. They are usually clipped onto a finger, toe, or earlobe, and use light beams to detect the colour changes of the blood as it absorbs or releases oxygen.
In this article, we will discuss the role of pulse oximeters in oxygen therapy and how they can provide a quick and easy way to check the oxygen levels of patients who are on oxygen therapy and alert the healthcare providers or the patients themselves if there are any problems or adjustments needed.
Types and Features of Pulse Oximeters
There are different types and models of pulse oximeters available, depending on the purpose, setting, and preference of the users:
- Fingertip pulse oximeters are the most widely used and affordable type of pulse oximeters. They are small, portable, and battery-operated devices that can be easily attached to a finger and display the oxygen saturation and pulse rate on a screen. They are best for home use but may not be very accurate or reliable in some situations.
- Handheld pulse oximeters are larger and more durable devices that consist of a probe that is connected to a monitor by a cable. They can measure the oxygen saturation and pulse rate, as well as other parameters, such as perfusion index and plethysmograph. They are more accurate and stable than fingertip pulse oximeters and are used for continuous monitoring or testing in clinical settings.
- Wrist or ear pulse oximeters are devices worn on the wrist or the ear and have a sensor that is attached to a finger, toe, or earlobe. They are similar to handheld pulse oximeters but more comfortable and discreet for the users. They are ideal for long-term or overnight monitoring.
- Smartphone pulse oximeters can be connected to a smartphone or a tablet and use an app to display and store the oxygen saturation and pulse rate data. They are similar to fingertip pulse oximeters but have the advantage of being able to share and analyse the data with the healthcare providers or the users themselves, as well as to provide feedback and alerts.
Benefits and Limitations of Pulse Oximeters
Pulse oximeters have many benefits and limitations for patients who are on oxygen therapy, as well as for their healthcare providers:
Benefits
Pulse oximeters can help to monitor the oxygen levels of patients who are on oxygen therapy, and to adjust the oxygen flow or delivery accordingly. This can prevent hypoxemia (low oxygen levels), which can cause symptoms such as shortness of breath, confusion, headache, or cyanosis (bluish skin), and can lead to complications such as organ damage, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), or death.
Pulse oximeters can also prevent hyperoxemia (high oxygen levels), which can cause symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or chest pain, and can lead to complications such as oxygen toxicity, which can damage the lungs, brain, or eyes. Pulse oximeters can also improve the quality of life and the outcomes of patients who are on oxygen therapy, by reducing the hospitalizations, the costs, and the mortality.
Pulse oximeters can also provide feedback and reassurance to the patients and their caregivers and enhance their self-management and adherence to the oxygen therapy.
Limitations
Pulse oximeters are not perfect or fool proof devices, and they have some limitations and challenges that need to be considered. Pulse oximeters may not be very accurate or reliable in some situations.
Pulse oximeters may also have some errors or variations due to the calibration, the quality, or the maintenance of the device, or the differences among the models or the manufacturers.
Pulse oximeters may also not reflect the true oxygen status of the patients, as they only measure the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin, and not the oxygen content or the oxygen delivery of the blood, which depend on other factors, such as haemoglobin level, blood pressure, or cardiac output.
Recommendations and Guidelines for Using Pulse Oximeters
There are some recommendations and guidelines for using pulse oximeters, to ensure that they are used correctly and safely, and that they provide the best results and benefits for the patients who are on oxygen therapy:
- Consult with the healthcare provider or the oxygen supplier to choose the right type and model of pulse oximeter, based on the purpose, the setting, and the preference of the user.
- Check the accuracy and the reliability of the pulse oximeter, by comparing it with another device or a blood test.
- Use the pulse oximeter properly and consistently, by following the manufacturer’s directions.
Pulse oximeters are constantly evolving and improving, as new technologies and innovations are being developed and applied.
