In this period of sanitary emergency there are many symptoms to watch out for, even if they are not directly related to Coronavirus. Reason why you need to have a thermometer at hand at home, or thermoscaner, it’s a oximeter (or pulse oximeter, oximeter or pulse oximeter), as recommended by the Italian Society of Pulmonology and the Italian Federation of Family Doctors.
The oximeter is a non-invasive medical device, which allows to measure the oxygen saturation in the peripheral arterial blood (SpO2) and simultaneously the heart rate. Basically, it allows you to consider respiratory compromise even at the beginning, with low levels of oxygen saturation.
How to use the oximeter
It has the shape of a “pincer” probe, which is positioned on the last phalanx of a finger; alternatively, it can also be applied to the earlobe or, if it is to be used on newborns, a special probe is required to be placed on the foot. The measurement result will be shown on the monitor.
The oximeter, a useful tool “against” the Coronavirus
The oximeter is needed more than usual in this period of health emergency because it allows to measure the oxygen saturation in the peripheral arterial blood (SpO2). Oxygen enters our body through the lungs, but in the case of respiratory problems, it could pass into the blood to a lesser extent than usual. This also happens in Coronavirus patients, who have developed the pneumonia interstitial.
The utility lies precisely in being able to diagnose, or rule out, a possible pneumonia.
It is also used in the hospital to recognize hypoxia early in relation to cyanosis conditions, allowing a diagnosis of oxygen desaturation before serious complications arise.
Measurement parameters
The parameters of the blood oxygen measurements are as follows:
- above 96% are considered normal O2 values;
- between 95 and 93% are indicative of possible oxygenation problems or a partial absence of oxygen (mild hypoxia);
- between 92 and 90% are indicative of insufficient oxygenation and it is advisable to undergo blood gas analysis (Ega), however they may be normal in the case of people suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Bpco);
- below 90% are not physiological and indicate a severe oxygen deficiency (severe hypoxia), so it is important to undergo a blood gas analysis.
The value of 100 measured without artificial administration of oxygen, can be a symptom of hyperventilation which can be due, for example, to panic attacks.
Mistakes to avoid
If used in suboptimal conditions, the oximeter may report reading errors: the results may therefore be distorted.
It is important to pay attention to:
- eliminate the nail polish, in particular the dark one (black, blue or green) that shields the wavelengths generated by the probe making the measurement inaccurate;
- the presence of vasoconstriction (i.e. the decrease in the caliber of blood vessels) of the peripheral districts, such as that of the fingers, which leads to a decrease in blood flow detectable by the probe and which, consequently, can result in the processing of false data ;
- the presence of hypotension, since the reading becomes less and less reliable as the systolic pressure falls below 55-60 mmHg;
- body temperature, since below 35 ° C there is a reduction in the values analyzed by the device;
- the movements of the person using the oximeter, which can create missed readings of the pulsatile wave.
Homiee, finger pulse oximeter for children
The Homiee branded oximeter is specifically designed to perfectly fit the fingers of children under 2 years old. With an original and fun penguin-shaped design, available in blue and pink, this oximeter is light and easy to use, and is equipped with an optimized algorithm and a light blocking device that give the device a ‘ high accuracy and the ability to measure SpO2, Pr (pulse value), heart rate, pulse waveform and bar graph in approximately 8 seconds.
In addition, it is equipped with a multidirectional color OLED display, which allows you to easily view the results in 4 directions, automatic shutdown after 8 seconds of inactivity and the mute function that does not disturb the baby’s sleep during measurements. Finally, the package also includes 2 Aaa batteries, 1 neck lanyard, an instruction manual and a carrying case.
Homiee pulse oximeter for adults
It is distinguished from other models by its ability to measure the percentage of perfusion, a data that allows to detect the validity of the oximeter measurement by verifying the reliability of the position in which the sensor is placed.
IHealth wireless wrist pulse oximeter
The iHealth oximeter has an adaptable strap for each type of wrist. It is also equipped with a measuring device to be applied to the thumb or index finger. It reliably measures blood saturation (SpO2), heart rate (Bpm) and perfusion index, and is equipped with an intelligent vibration alarm, capable of alerting even in case of sleep apnea or snoring (sleep aid for Cpap machine). It is a light, portable and comfortable device to wear, also thanks to the high quality sanitary silicone with which it is made and the stable and well-assembled sensor to the microUsb connector, and is equipped with an LCD display with excellent readability. It is compatible with the iHealth MyVitals application, capable of automatically storing data history on your smartphone and sharing information with a family member, doctor or healthcare professional, and compatible with Apple devices (iOS 5.0 or higher) and Android 4.4 or later devices for Samsung devices and Android 4.3 or later for other brands’ devices (requires Bluetooth 4.0).
AFAC Pulse Oximeter Professional Finger Pulse Oximeter
AFAC finger oxygen saturation monitor, can accurately measure human heart rate and SpO2 blood oxygen rate. Measurement is quick. It’s easy to use – all you have to do is cut out the o-xi-meter on your finger, click the button and wait 7 seconds and your heart rate and blood oxygen concentration will be displayed. The oximeter turns off automatically 9 seconds after removing your finger. When the battery is low, the icon will be displayed at the top right of the screen.
Wellue, CE Medical Device oximeter
Accurate and fast in measurements, the Wellue marked finger oximeter is equipped with adaptive optical measurement, which allows to obtain high precision and which in about 8 seconds shows the oxygen saturation in the blood SpO2, the PR interval and the pulse cardiac (SpO2 ± 2, pulse ± 3). In addition, this device turns off automatically after 8s of inactivity, to extend battery life, displays results in 4 directions in the color OLED monitor and is certified as a Medical Device CE 0123. The package also includes a neck lanyard, an instruction manual and two AAA batteries.
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