pulsoksymetre

A pulsoksymetr, also known as a pulse oximeter, is a non-invasive medical device used to measure the oxygen saturation level in a person's blood. It also monitors pulse rate. The device typically clips onto a finger, toe, earlobe, or forehead. It works by shining red and infrared light through the tissue and measuring how much light is absorbed by oxygenated hemoglobin versus deoxygenated hemoglobin. The difference in absorption allows the pulsoksymetr to calculate the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen, known as SpO2.

Normal SpO2 readings for a healthy individual at sea level are typically between 95% and 100%. Readings below 90% may indicate hypoxemia, a condition where there is an abnormally low level of oxygen in the blood. Pulsoksymetry is commonly used in clinical settings such as hospitals, emergency rooms, and intensive care units to monitor patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions, during surgery, or for individuals receiving oxygen therapy. It is also increasingly used for home monitoring, especially by individuals with chronic lung diseases like COPD or asthma, or during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While generally accurate, pulsoksymetr readings can be affected by various factors. These include poor circulation, cold extremities, nail polish, movement, and certain medical conditions like anemia or carbon monoxide poisoning. It's important to note that a pulsoksymetr measures oxygen saturation but does not assess the effectiveness of breathing or the overall health of the respiratory system. Therefore, it should be used as a supplementary tool and not as a sole diagnostic measure.