Pulse Oximeters

Pulse Oximeters for Measuring Oxygen Saturation in Blood

The pulse oximeter is a measurement device for non-invasive determination of arterial blood oxygen saturation. The measurement is based on an optical measurement principle with which the skin is screened by two monochromatic LEDs with different wave lengths. A photodiode serves as the detector by measuring how much light in each of the wave lengths is absorbed. The partial oxygen saturation (SpO2) is calculated from this information. The SpO2 value is determined from the measured maximum and minimum value in relation to one another. This allows the device to calculate effects, such as the heart rate or pulse rate. In addition to oxygen saturation, the monitor also measures the patients' pulse.

Patient monitoring with a pulse oximeter is a particularly important precautionary measure for sedated or artificially resuscitated patients and accident victims. A loss in arterial blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) can cause brain damage and, in the worst case, death. Therefore, high-quality pulse oximeters are equipped with an alarm function that notifies the medical personnel in the event of a loss in saturation.

Fingertip Pulse Oximeters

Pulse oximeters are essentially only available as fingertip or handheld devices.

The fingertip pulse oximeter is a small handheld device with which LEDs, sensors and electronics are all encased together. Using a clip, the pulse oximeter is simply attached to the fingertip and the result can be read on the integrated display within a few seconds. The displayed SpO2 range is between 0 and 100%. It is important to note, however, that the measurement accuracy within the saturation range is typically between 70 and 100 percent.

If the fingertip pulse oximeter is meant for home SpO2 monitoring, then there are special products like the GO2 from Nonin Medical, that have a patient-facing display; thus, simplifying independent reading of the measured values. However, fingertip pulse oximeters are most frequently used outdoors by emergency medical services because of their small size. For this purpose, one may recommend extra robust and spray-resistant devices like the Nonin Onyx, which has an optimally readable display, even outdoors, and which adapts to the finger girth so that it can be used for children or adults.

Furthermore, there are other finger pulse oximeters that also collect other measurement parameters in addition to pulse and SpO2. This includes the Rossmax SB200 Pulse Oximeter, which measures the blood flow speed to determine the risk of arteriosclerosis.

Handheld Pulse Oximeter

Unlike a finger pulse oximeter, the SpO2 sensor on a handheld pulse oximeter is connected to the device and display with a cable. This measurement device is larger and usually applied for continuous monitoring. Disposable or rechargeable batteries make the pulse oximeter portable so that it can be used for patient transportation, for example.

Since handheld pulse oximeters have replaceable sensors, these measurement devices can be adapted to each individual situation. Depending on whether it is a toddler, child or adult, there are compatible sensors available that are optimised for the finger's girth. Special foot sensors are used when measuring the oxygen saturation of infants.

The large display makes it easy to read the SpO2 level, pulse rate and pleth curve. The relative SpO2 level is reported on a scale from 0 to 100 percent; however, the measurement accuracy is typically between 70 and 100 percent. If the SpO2 level is expected to be under 70 percent, then one should use devices with an extended measurement range, e.g., the PM10N from Nellcor, which achieves a LoSat accuracy range 60% to 80% with the manufacturer's adhesive sensors. Depending on the oximeter type, the optional addition of a temperature probe allows one to measure body temperature in addition to the heart rate (pulse) and oxygen saturation (SpO2).

Handheld pulse oximeters often have an additional function like homecare mode or sleep study mode with which simpler monitoring in the hospital or in a home setting is made possible. The measurement results are saved in the internal storage and should be able to be shown over the course of multiple days. High-quality devices can subsequently evaluate the stored data and graphically represent it in the form of a trend analysis.

Buy Affordable Pulse Oximeters from Name Brands

In order to measure blood oxygen saturation, we offer you medical-grade pulse oximeters from name brands such as Covidien, Nonin or Mindray. Explore our selection of pulse oximeters, starting with the smallest fingertip pulse oximeter in the world, the Nonin II 9550, for quick mobile analysis of oxygen saturation and pulse, to the powerful UT 100 handheld pulse oximeter from Utech, which sets itself apart with interchangeable display formats, the large colour display and up to 5-day long recording.

Would you like to purchase a pulse oximeter, but still have questions about our products? Our customer service will happily advise you! In addition to oximeters for measuring oxygen saturation and heart rate, you will also find other medical equipment for diagnostics and patient monitoring in our assortment including stationary and portable ECG machines, patient monitors for collecting various vital signs or blood pressure monitors for diverse applications. You can find the compatible protective case for your monitor in the "Pulse Oximeter Sensors & Accessories" category.