Pulssoksümeetrite

Pulssoksümeetrite, often referred to as pulse oximeters, are non-invasive medical devices used to measure oxygen saturation in a person's blood and their pulse rate. These devices work by shining light through a translucent part of the body, typically a fingertip, earlobe, or toe. The device then measures the amount of light absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin. Based on the differential absorption, the pulse oximeter calculates the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, known as SpO2. Simultaneously, it detects the pulsatile flow of blood, which allows it to determine the pulse rate.

Pulse oximetry has become a standard tool in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms, and physician offices. It is crucial for monitoring patients undergoing anesthesia, those with respiratory or cardiac conditions, and individuals experiencing sleep apnea. The readings from a pulse oximeter can provide early indications of hypoxemia, a condition where blood oxygen levels are abnormally low, allowing for timely intervention. While generally accurate, pulse oximeter readings can be affected by factors such as poor circulation, cold extremities, nail polish, and certain medical conditions.