Facts About Pulse Oximeters
Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen in the blood. By comparing the amount of oxygen in the blood with the maximum possible amount of oxygen, the oxygen saturation level can be determined. A young, healthy person will have an oxygen saturation level of 95 percent to 99 percent. Oxygen saturation decreases with age and with lung or heart conditions.
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What is Pulse Oximetry?
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Pulse oximetry measures the amount of oxygen carried by blood cells to calculate the oxygen saturation.
What is Oxygen Saturation?
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The oxygen saturation level is an indicator of a person's heart and lung function. It is an important measurement for people with lung and respiratory conditions.
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How is Oxygen Measured?
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Blood absorbs red and infrared light at different concentrations depending on how much oxygen is present in the blood. Oxygenated blood absorbs more infrared light, whereas deoxygenated blood absorbs more red light.
How Does It Work
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The pulse oximeter emits beams of red and infrared light. The light passes through the measurement site (typically the finger, toe or earlobe) and is captured by a photodetector on the opposite side. The photodetector calculates the ratio of red to infrared light, which is then converted to the oxygen saturation level.
What Affects Measurement
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Pulse oximetry measurements may be affected by advanced age, irregular heartbeat, weak pulse or cold hands.
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