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How to Pick a Pulse Oximeter

October 29, 2021 4 min read

How to Pick a Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is an essential tool in measuring how well your body is functioning. However, it’s important to choose the best possible pulse oximeter so that you know you can trust its readings. We’re going to talk about what qualities to look for when picking a pulse oximeter, but first, let’s go over what a pulse oximeter is. 

What is a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is an electronic device, typically placed on the finger, that measures the amount of oxygen carried by your red blood cells. Some other names for a pulse oximeter include oxygen monitor and O2 saturation monitor.

 So how does it work? Pulse oximeters utilize LED lights to measure your oxygen saturation level. On one side of the pulse oximeter are red LEDs which shine through the finger. On the other side is a sensor that detects how much light makes it through the finger. The pulse oximeter then estimates your oxygen saturation level based on how much light made it through your finger and displays it as a percentage. The more light that makes it through, the less oxygen in your blood, and vice versa.

 The best thing about a pulse oximeter is that it quickly gives you a measurement of your oxygen saturation level without any invasive procedures such as needles or a blood sample. In addition, since the process is so simple, anyone can have a pulse oximeter, not just a doctor’s office. 

Why is a Pulse Oximeter Important?

Everyone may be able to have a pulse oximeter, but why is this device so important?

 As you know, oxygen is vital for our body, and a decrease in oxygen levels can quickly cause serious problems. This is why it is essential to monitor oxygen levels.

 Oxygen levels between 95%-100% are considered normal, but any time it dips below those levels, even if you’re being active, should be checked by a doctor.

 It is especially important for those going to a high altitude or exercising for an extended period of time to check their oxygen saturation to ensure that are still within the normal range, since these activities put someone at risk of lower oxygen saturation. 

How to Pick a Pulse Oximeter

There are many qualities of pulse oximeters, so let’s go over what you’ll want to look for when picking one.

Speed

No one wants to sit around waiting for oxygen saturation readings. So, you’re going to want a device that can give you a reading quickly. Especially if you are checking your levels multiple times a day, you will want a quick readout so that you don’t have to wait around and can continue with your day.

Accurate

There is no reason to get a pulse oximeter if the readings that it gives you are inaccurate. Not only could that cause undue stress and unnecessary doctor’s visits if it gives you a false low reading, but there could also be significant complications if it gives you a false high reading. If your pulse oximeter says your oxygen saturation level is within a normal range when it is actually low, it keeps you from seeking the medical help you need.

When it comes to oxygen levels, you want to correct any deviations from normal as soon as possible. An accurate pulse oximeter is a must in order to grant yourself peace of mind knowing that the device you rely on is giving you correct readings.

According to the FDA, for a pulse oximeter to be accurate, it needs to provide oxygen saturation levels within 3% of the actual oxygen saturation level, so look for this when choosing a pulse oximeter.

Ease of Use

Have you ever gotten something, only to find out that it is incredibly confusing to work, so you put it down, figuring you will learn how to use it another time, only to never use it again? You don’t want that to happen with a pulse oximeter, so you need to make sure you’re picking a model that is easy to use.

By easy to use, we mean put it on your finger, push a button, and wait; that’s how easy you want it to be. This way, you know you’re doing it right since it’s too straightforward to mess up. You will also be more likely to keep up with it because you don’t have to worry about getting a headache every time you try to make it work.

Multiple Functionality

Sure, you’re buying a pulse oximeter just to read your oxygen levels, but some options also do more for similar price points. One thing that they can do is record your pulse rate in beats per minute. In addition, some varieties also display how strong or weak your pulse is. While you might not be getting a pulse oximeter specifically for these functions, extra health information is not a bad thing.

Visibility

It’s no good having a pulse oximeter if you can’t read the results on the screen. You want to make sure that you pick a pulse oximeter that has an LED display with large numbers so that it is easy to read the results.

If you’re looking for a pulse oximeter that checks all the above boxes, look no further than the mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter. This device is both fast and accurate, providing oxygen saturation levels with a deviation of +/- 2%, well within the guidelines for an accurate SpO2 monitor.

In addition, this device does more than just measure blood oxygen levels; it also provides a pulse rate and pulse strength measurement. This pulse oximeter is highly portable due to its small size, making it easy to bring it along with you no matter where you are going.

The screen’s brightness is also adjustable, so no matter if you are using it inside or when out on a hike, you will be able to see the screen. And with its OLED screen that has large numbers, you will have no problem reading the results.

Oxygen saturation levels are an essential parameter to monitor, so you want to ensure that the pulse oximeter you choose is up to the job. The mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter provides an oxygen saturation reading that is accurate, fast, and easy to read, allowing you to properly monitor your oxygen saturation.

References

[1] https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication


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