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What Is A Fingertip Pulse Oximeter?

July 23, 2020

You may have seen devices like these used in TV shows set in hospitals but do you know what they are used for and how? If you answered no to this question then you are in the right place. In this article, we are going to explain what a fingertip pulse oximeter is, the respiratory illnesses that it’s used for and provide our honest opinion on the pulse oximeter by Drive.

How Does A Pulse Oximeter Work?

Pulse oximetry is a painless test that is used to measure a person’s blood oxygen levels. By using a fingertip pulse oximeter, you are given the ability to rapidly detect even the smallest of changes in your oxygen saturation levels.

This small, easy to use device clips, most commonly, on to the fingertip and measures how well your heart is pumping oxygen around the body. Once the device is correctly attached, small beams of red and infrared light pass through the blood in the finger. This light then measures changes in light absorption between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.

A fingertip oximeter is available for home use while also widely used in in-patient settings such as medical clinics, sleep clinics and hospitals. Depending on the purpose behind using this device, you may need to wear it for long periods such as during exercise or while sleeping, in the case of monitoring and diagnosing Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).

Which Respiratory Illnesses Require It?

An oxygen finger sensor is most often used for people who are suspected of having or have been diagnosed with respiratory issues. Below, is a list of the most common lung diseases and illnesses that require the use of a fingertip pulse oximeter:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): COPD refers to a number of respiratory illnesses such as chronic asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Common symptoms related to COPD include difficulty breathing, chronic cough and chest tightness. A pulse oximeter helps these patients manage and monitor their pulmonary function.
Asthma: This respiratory illness is an inflammatory disease of the lungs’ airways. When the linings of the airways swell, it causes the muscles to tighten and restricts lung function. Oxygen finger sensors are used as part of an action plan for asthma patients.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea: OSA is a sleep disorder that impacts an individual’s ability to receive adequate oxygen levels during sleep due to a partial or complete blockage in the airway. While treated with CPAP therapy, sleep specialists use pulse oximeters during diagnosis and for ongoing management.

The Drive Fingertip Pulse Oximeter: Our Honest Review

Here at CPAPMachines.ca, we are always adding to the respiratory products that we offer our loyal customers. As you know, our expert team always trial products for you first so you can get our honest thoughts on each product.

The Drive Fingertip Pulse Oximeter features that our team enjoyed most about this finger oxygen sensor is the fact that it’s lightweight and offers an easy-to-read, multi-view LED display screen letting you see your results hassle-free. The device also offers an automatic power-off feature and low power consumption so you don’t have to worry if you fall asleep with it on.

Accommodating a wide range of finger sizes, this pulse oximeter is perfect for those suffering from the respiratory illnesses mentioned above or for those who want to keep track of their blood oxygen levels. Have questions about the Drive Pulse Oximeter? Get in touch with our team of experts and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.