púlsoxímeteri

A pulsoximeteri, often shortened to pulse oximeter, is a small, non-invasive medical device used to measure oxygen saturation in the blood and pulse rate. It typically clips 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 by hemoglobin. Oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs light differently than deoxygenated hemoglobin, allowing the device to calculate the percentage of oxygen-saturated blood, known as SpO2.

The pulse rate is measured by detecting the pulsatile changes in blood volume in the capillaries as the heart beats. This allows the device to count the number of pulses per minute. Pulse oximeters are widely used in hospitals, clinics, and by individuals for monitoring respiratory and cardiac conditions, during anesthesia, and in situations where oxygen levels may be compromised, such as during exercise or at high altitudes. They are a valuable tool for assessing a patient's physiological status quickly and without the need for blood samples. Accuracy can be affected by factors such as nail polish, poor circulation, and certain medical conditions.