A reliable piece of modern medical equipment, pulse oximeters are making the news as a helpful part of any individual’s COVID 19 survival pack. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to confirm what you should look for and the purpose that it serves?
So, what should you look for when picking up an oximeter, and why are they providing to be so popular during the pandemic?
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
Use to measure the degree of oxygen saturation in your bloodstream, a blood pulse oximeter painlessly gives a reading on your current health with the minimum amount of fuss. A miniaturized version of a larger piece of kit, modern devices are small enough to fit in a handbag, satchel, or case without any fuss and are reliable enough to give an accurate reading when required.
Painless to operate, an oximeter attaches to a digit or toe on your body and uses a beam to measure the degree of light absorption in your skin. This gives an accurate reading on the percentage of oxygen in your blood and can help provide an early warning for conditions such as hypoxia or hypoxaemia.
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Why are they in use?
The rise of COVID 19 in the last few months has led to a spike in purchases in blood pulse oximeters and with potentially good reason. Research has found that asymptomatic patients or those that are in the early stages of infection sufferfrom low blood oxygen. This is potentially due to the inflammatory effect that the virus has on a patient’s lungs, making it harder for them to breathe and reducing the saturation of oxygen in their blood.
This has led many individuals to pick up blood pulse oximeters as a way to track and monitor their own health. Regular monitoring helps to track personal health and ensure that recovery is proceeding as needed.
What should you look for?
If you are considering picking up a blood pulse oximeter, there are a number of vital elements that you should track. These include, but are not limited to-
Your Provider: Choosing a reliable provider is essential, with shopfronts like eBay or Amazon providing no reliable guarantee about the origin of their devices. Searching online to find a list of sensor manufacturers or looking for market leaders can help you secure a device that is reliable and works when needed.
Optional Extras: Many devices will come with additional functionality that can allow you to track your pulse, skin perspiration, and more. While these are by no means essential, additional information can help your doctor or physician make a more accurate diagnosis.
Your Own Approach: Remember that the best thing you can do during the pandemic is to care for your own physical and mental wellbeing. In addition to following government guidance, aim to carry out regular exercise and take time out of your day for meditation or to pursue activities that get you out of the house and help to support your mental health.
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