Manufacturers of pulse oximeters are currently many and each claims that their products are the best in the market. These claims make it very hard to select the right product for personal use. This becomes even harder if one has no idea about the features the device should have. This article contains useful information concerning the features to ensure are available in CMS pulse oximeters before buying.
Many reasons are available for having ad using a pulse oximetry gadget. The immediacy by which blood oxygen levels and heart rates can be checked is one among the many reasons. It is vital to check these two values especially during workout sessions or when flying. The gadgets are important in flying because variations in altitude and air pressure may cause abnormal brain activities in some individuals. Estimation of the level of efficiency of CPAP therapy is possible through the use of these devices. Sleep apnea patients are advised to wear then when retiring to bed.
Checking for recording capability in a device should be the first thing. Devices with recording capability keep a record of values measured over time. Comparisons can therefore be done over a given time frame. An analysis of the recordings should tell when at night apnea activities occur. This is possible because, during apnea activities, oxygen levels in blood drop and heart rates increase.
The accuracy of values displayed by the device is also of great importance. Normally a certain error level is allowed in most readings. Low-end devices have the highest error margins hence caution should be exercised when buying them. Whatever the case an error margin of two percent should not be exceeded. Accuracy can be determined by comparing values from the gadget and those measured through other means.
One should also check for the kind of display the device uses and the details displayed. Low-end devices normally use the ordinary LED display and only display the two parameters the gadget is meant for without additional information. Better devices use better displays and also display pulse waveform, battery level indicator, menus, pulse meter, and perfusion index value in addition to the two parameters.
The gadget chosen should allow the user to set threshold values for the two parameters. Devices with this capability also incorporate alarm systems for alerting the user when the values of the two parameters go below or above the threshold. This way, preventive measures can be taken to avoid serious conditions if the patient under medical care. Alarms also warn when battery levels fall below a certain percentage.
A reasonable warranty period should accompany the oximeter purchased. Warranties normally last at least two years for these products. One should seek other options if the warranty does not run for at least two years especially in the high-end models. This protects the buyer from the negligence of the manufacturer.
Oximeters that use rechargeable lithium ion batteries should not have been on the shelves for over a year at the time of purchase. This is because too much discharging in these kinds of batteries damages them. Choosing a product that can use both rechargeable and alkaline batteries is an added advantage.
Many reasons are available for having ad using a pulse oximetry gadget. The immediacy by which blood oxygen levels and heart rates can be checked is one among the many reasons. It is vital to check these two values especially during workout sessions or when flying. The gadgets are important in flying because variations in altitude and air pressure may cause abnormal brain activities in some individuals. Estimation of the level of efficiency of CPAP therapy is possible through the use of these devices. Sleep apnea patients are advised to wear then when retiring to bed.
Checking for recording capability in a device should be the first thing. Devices with recording capability keep a record of values measured over time. Comparisons can therefore be done over a given time frame. An analysis of the recordings should tell when at night apnea activities occur. This is possible because, during apnea activities, oxygen levels in blood drop and heart rates increase.
The accuracy of values displayed by the device is also of great importance. Normally a certain error level is allowed in most readings. Low-end devices have the highest error margins hence caution should be exercised when buying them. Whatever the case an error margin of two percent should not be exceeded. Accuracy can be determined by comparing values from the gadget and those measured through other means.
One should also check for the kind of display the device uses and the details displayed. Low-end devices normally use the ordinary LED display and only display the two parameters the gadget is meant for without additional information. Better devices use better displays and also display pulse waveform, battery level indicator, menus, pulse meter, and perfusion index value in addition to the two parameters.
The gadget chosen should allow the user to set threshold values for the two parameters. Devices with this capability also incorporate alarm systems for alerting the user when the values of the two parameters go below or above the threshold. This way, preventive measures can be taken to avoid serious conditions if the patient under medical care. Alarms also warn when battery levels fall below a certain percentage.
A reasonable warranty period should accompany the oximeter purchased. Warranties normally last at least two years for these products. One should seek other options if the warranty does not run for at least two years especially in the high-end models. This protects the buyer from the negligence of the manufacturer.
Oximeters that use rechargeable lithium ion batteries should not have been on the shelves for over a year at the time of purchase. This is because too much discharging in these kinds of batteries damages them. Choosing a product that can use both rechargeable and alkaline batteries is an added advantage.
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