pulssioksimetreissä

Pulssioksimetreissä, or pulse oximeters, are non-invasive medical devices used to measure a person's oxygen saturation level in the blood and their pulse rate. They work by shining two different wavelengths of light through a translucent part of the body, typically a fingertip, earlobe, or toe. One wavelength is absorbed more by oxygenated hemoglobin, while the other is absorbed more by deoxygenated hemoglobin. By measuring the difference in light absorption, the device can calculate the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen, known as SpO2.

The device also measures pulse rate by detecting the pulsatile changes in blood flow. As the heart pumps blood, the volume of blood in the arteries changes slightly, causing a corresponding change in light absorption. The pulse oximeter counts these changes to determine the heart rate.

Pulse oximeters are widely used in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, emergency rooms, and during anesthesia. They are also available for home use, allowing individuals with chronic respiratory conditions or those recovering from illness to monitor their oxygen levels. The readings can help healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of respiratory treatments, identify potential hypoxia (low oxygen levels), and monitor a patient's overall condition. Normal oxygen saturation levels typically range from 95% to 100%. Factors such as poor circulation, nail polish, cold extremities, and certain medical conditions can sometimes affect the accuracy of the readings.