In the medical world, pulse oximetry is a term that comes up quite frequently, but it may be unfamiliar to many people. pulse oximetry readingis one of the most important tools in the medical field that allows healthcare providers to measure the oxygen saturation levels in blood. It is non-invasive, easy to use, and provides immediate results. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing what pulse oximetry is, how it works, and what the readings mean.

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive medical diagnostic technique used to measure the oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood. The device used for pulse oximetry is called a pulse oximeter, which is a small clip-like device that is often attached to the fingertip of the patient, but can also be used on the earlobe or toe. The device emits two wavelengths of light – a red light and an infrared light – into the body, which is then picked up by a sensor on the other side of the device. The sensor can measure the difference in the amount of light absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated blood and provides a reading of the patient’s oxygen saturation levels.

Pulse oximetry is a quick, non-invasive, and painless procedure that takes only a few seconds. It is widely used in hospitals, medical offices, and home healthcare settings. One of the most important applications of pulse oximetry is in monitoring patients with respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19. In these patients, pulse oximetry is used to monitor their oxygen saturation levels and provide early warnings if their levels drop below normal range.

The normal range of oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood is between 95-100%. If the oxygen saturation levels drop below 90%, it indicates hypoxia, which means there is an insufficient amount of oxygen in the blood reaching the organs and tissues in the body. Hypoxia can cause damage to the organs and tissues, and if left untreated, can be life-threatening. Thus, pulse oximetry is a critical tool for early detection and intervention of hypoxia.

It is important to note that some conditions can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings. These include low blood pressure, anemia, cold hands or fingers, and certain skin conditions. Also, the accuracy of the device may vary depending on the quality of the device and the patient’s skin condition.

Pulse oximetry is a vital non-invasive tool that is used to measure oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood. It is easy to use, non-invasive, and provides immediate results. Pulse oximetry is used widely in hospitals, medical offices, and home healthcare settings, especially in monitoring patients with respiratory illnesses. The normal range of oxygen saturation levels in arterial blood is between 95-100%, and if the levels drop below 90%, it indicates hypoxia, which can cause serious health complications. While some conditions can affect the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings, it remains a crucial diagnostic tool in the medical world.