How to use a finger pulse oximeter in 5 easy steps

A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures heart rate and the oxygen level in the blood, expressed as the percent of oxygen saturation. Pulse oximeters operate by shining light through the skin to the blood vessels below. These devices are commonly used in many health care settings and are available over the counter. If you have high oxygen saturation (close to 100%) it indicates that the red blood cells are fully loaded with oxygen from the lungs.

Follow the steps to learn how to use a finger pulse oximeter:

Step 1
Turn on the pulse oximeter by firmly pressing the power button. The screen should light up almost instantly.

Step 2
Place the sensor, the part that opens and closes like a clothespin, on any finger, with the sensor screen above your fingernail. If the sensor doesn’t have a screen, run the cable along the back of your finger or hand. Don’t use the thumb because these readings are less reliable than finger readings.

Step 3
Wait until the pulse oximeter acquires a signal. This may take 10 seconds or more, depending on the device and the conditions. Excessive movement can decrease the accuracy of the result, so make sure to keep still.

Step 4
Look at the display to see the heart rate, usually indicated with a heart or pulsing light. The percent of oxygen saturation is typically indicated by the symbol “Sp02.” Many devices also have a pulse tone that beeps in time with the heart rate.

Step 5
Leave the sensor on for continuous monitoring. The sensor can become uncomfortable or cause pressure sores if you leave it on your finger for too long. Check and move the sensor at least every two to four hours. If only a single measurement is required, remove the sensor and press the power button to turn off the device.

Take a look at Supply Doctor’s wide range of medical equipment and supplies. There are many options to choose from, including pulse oximeters.

VeinViewer – Innovative New Medical Device

It looks like a serious medical problem may have been solved with VeinViewer!

When it comes to drawing blood, finding a vein can be rather difficult at times. Your visit to the doctor can turn into a painful one if your doctor has multiply failed attempts to hit a vein.

The brilliant new VeinViewer device could be the answer to the problem. Using infrared light, medical professionals can spot a vein easily in any patient, even if they have shy veins! By detecting the haemoglobin in the blood, the veins will glow and make it as easy as pie for a doctor or nurse to find a vein.

Patients can now relax and forget about pain, as the VeinViewer allows the vein to be hit on the first try. Hopefully we will see this great device in hospitals and doctor’s offices around the world very soon.

Visit the Supply Doctor online store to browse through a range of medical equipment, such as first aid products, disposables, monitors, BP meters and even theatre tables and lights.