How to read a pulse oximeter for diagnostic purposes

Reading a pulse oximeter is a critical step in the overall health and well being of an individual. There are many health conditions out there that require the use of this device. Such conditions range from respiratory to cardiac problems. Each one of these conditions has its own specific requirements as far as which of the vital signs need to be measured. For respiratory conditions the most important vital sign to measure is in fact the blood oxygen saturation or the SpO2 levels. This refers to the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood. To read the device you simply have to place your finger inside the device. Within seconds you will get a reading of your pulse rate and the oxygen levels. The oxygen levels will be presented in a percentage as this number represents the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood. The pulse rate will be represented by a simply a number that in actuality represents the beats per minute of your pulse. With some other oximeter devices by pushing a certain button you will also get to see the perfusion index which represents the strength of the heart beat. This number has specific importance for those with cardiac problems. They can get their readings and then consult their physician in order to determine whether they are functioning and optimal healthy levels or whether they need to get further medical treatment. This truly gives those individuals with cardiac problems an easy way to check their pulse rate and heart health. A pulse oximeter works quite effectively to measure the pulse rate as well as the blood oxygen saturation of an individual The device is only a fraction of the size of a typical cell phone and thus it is extremely portable. It also is very accurate and instantly gives a reading of the oxygen saturation as well as pulse rate within seconds. By inserting your finger inside the portable device an infrared light passes through you finger. Hemoglobin absorbs light at different frequencies and as such the infrared light that goes through the finger bounces back to the oximeter device computer with a number that represents the oxygen levels of the body. This number means the world to people who live with conditions that require accurate monitoring of the oxygen levels in the body. Oximeter devices continue to break ground not only in the hospital setting but also the home setting as well. No longer do individuals need to be at their physician’s office or a hospital in order to take advantage of such a device to monitor their health. The newest generations of devices are not only extremely small and portable but they also are extremely affordable. So individuals living with various health conditions that are necessary to measure their oxygen levels can now use the device in the comfort of their home without ever having to worry about not monitoring their health on a continuous basis. The portability also allows them to take the device wherever they desire to go.