Manufacturers of pulse oximeters are currently many and each claims that their products are the best in the market. These claims make it very hard to select the right product for personal use. This becomes even harder if one has no idea about the features the device should have. This article contains useful information concerning the features to ensure are available in CMS pulse oximeters before buying.
Many reasons are available for having ad using a pulse oximetry gadget. The immediacy by which blood oxygen levels and heart rates can be checked is one among the many reasons. It is vital to check these two values especially during workout sessions or when flying. The gadgets are important in flying because variations in altitude and air pressure may cause abnormal brain activities in some individuals. Estimation of the level of efficiency of CPAP therapy is possible through the use of these devices. Sleep apnea patients are advised to wear then when retiring to bed.
Checking for recording capability in a device should be the first thing. Devices with recording capability keep a record of values measured over time. Comparisons can therefore be done over a given time frame. An analysis of the recordings should tell when at night apnea activities occur. This is possible because, during apnea activities, oxygen levels in blood drop and heart rates increase.
Another factor to check is the accuracy of the device. Normally most devices allow a certain level of error in their readings. The error margin is normally highest in the low-end devices hence one should make the choice carefully. The margin should not exceed two percent. To determine the level of accuracy, one may have the heart rate and blood O2 saturation measured through other means and then the values compared to those of an oximeter.
The display and the kind of information displayed should also be checked. In low-end models, the primary display is the normal LED display. Low-end display does not show any other information besides the two major parameters the device measures. Better displays are used in better brands and parameters like battery level indicator, menus, perfusion index value, pulse meter, and pulse waveform are also displayed besides the two parameters.
The gadget chosen should allow the user to set threshold values for the two parameters. Devices with this capability also incorporate alarm systems for alerting the user when the values of the two parameters go below or above the threshold. This way, preventive measures can be taken to avoid serious conditions if the patient under medical care. Alarms also warn when battery levels fall below a certain percentage.
Like all electronics, oximeters should also have reasonable warranty periods. The normal warranty period is two years. If the warranty is less than two years, it is advisable to seek other options especially if the product costs high. This helps to avoid loses due to the mistakes of the manufacturer.
One should avoid purchasing products that use rechargeable lithium ion batteries yet have stayed on the shelves for more than a year at the instance of purchase. This is because lithium ion batteries get damaged when they discharge over a very long period. A better way would be to choose products in which both rechargeable and standard alkaline batteries can be used.
Many reasons are available for having ad using a pulse oximetry gadget. The immediacy by which blood oxygen levels and heart rates can be checked is one among the many reasons. It is vital to check these two values especially during workout sessions or when flying. The gadgets are important in flying because variations in altitude and air pressure may cause abnormal brain activities in some individuals. Estimation of the level of efficiency of CPAP therapy is possible through the use of these devices. Sleep apnea patients are advised to wear then when retiring to bed.
Checking for recording capability in a device should be the first thing. Devices with recording capability keep a record of values measured over time. Comparisons can therefore be done over a given time frame. An analysis of the recordings should tell when at night apnea activities occur. This is possible because, during apnea activities, oxygen levels in blood drop and heart rates increase.
Another factor to check is the accuracy of the device. Normally most devices allow a certain level of error in their readings. The error margin is normally highest in the low-end devices hence one should make the choice carefully. The margin should not exceed two percent. To determine the level of accuracy, one may have the heart rate and blood O2 saturation measured through other means and then the values compared to those of an oximeter.
The display and the kind of information displayed should also be checked. In low-end models, the primary display is the normal LED display. Low-end display does not show any other information besides the two major parameters the device measures. Better displays are used in better brands and parameters like battery level indicator, menus, perfusion index value, pulse meter, and pulse waveform are also displayed besides the two parameters.
The gadget chosen should allow the user to set threshold values for the two parameters. Devices with this capability also incorporate alarm systems for alerting the user when the values of the two parameters go below or above the threshold. This way, preventive measures can be taken to avoid serious conditions if the patient under medical care. Alarms also warn when battery levels fall below a certain percentage.
Like all electronics, oximeters should also have reasonable warranty periods. The normal warranty period is two years. If the warranty is less than two years, it is advisable to seek other options especially if the product costs high. This helps to avoid loses due to the mistakes of the manufacturer.
One should avoid purchasing products that use rechargeable lithium ion batteries yet have stayed on the shelves for more than a year at the instance of purchase. This is because lithium ion batteries get damaged when they discharge over a very long period. A better way would be to choose products in which both rechargeable and standard alkaline batteries can be used.
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