Pulsoksymetr

A pulse oximeter is a small, non-invasive medical device used to measure a person's blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate. It is typically clipped onto a fingertip, earlobe, or toe. The device works by shining two different wavelengths of light through the tissue and measuring how much light is absorbed. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, absorbs these wavelengths differently depending on whether it is carrying oxygen or not. By analyzing the difference in absorption, the pulse oximeter can estimate the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen, known as SpO2.

The pulse oximeter also detects the pulsatile flow of blood through the arteries, which is caused by the heartbeat. This pulsation allows the device to distinguish between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood and to calculate the pulse rate. Normal blood oxygen saturation levels for a healthy individual typically range from 95% to 100%. Lower readings may indicate respiratory or circulatory problems. Pulse oximeters are widely used in hospitals, clinics, and by individuals for home monitoring, particularly for those with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, or during periods of illness such as the flu or COVID-19. They provide a quick and easy way to assess oxygenation status.