Pulsioximetría

Pulsioximetría is a non-invasive method used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood and pulse rate. It typically involves a small device called a pulse oximeter that clips onto a fingertip, earlobe, or toe. The device works by passing two wavelengths of light through the tissue and measuring the amount of light absorbed. Different wavelengths are absorbed differently by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin, allowing the pulse oximeter to calculate the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, known as SpO2.

The pulse oximeter also detects the pulsatile flow of blood in the capillaries, which allows it to measure the pulse rate. This technology is widely used in medical settings, including hospitals, clinics, and emergency services, to monitor patients' respiratory function and cardiovascular status. It is particularly useful for individuals with respiratory conditions such as asthma, COPD, or pneumonia, as well as those recovering from surgery or experiencing cardiac issues.

Factors such as poor circulation, cold extremities, nail polish, or certain medical conditions can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. Despite these limitations, pulsioximetría remains a valuable and readily available tool for assessing oxygenation and pulse in a wide range of clinical scenarios.