Finger Oxygen Monitor – An Important Medical Monitoring Device

There are certain instances and medical conditions in humans where there is a need to monitor whether or not the oxygen saturation in the blood is still at normal and optimal levels to maintain healthy life. The problem with oxygen deficiency is that if left undetected, it can easily lead to injury or death. Hence, monitoring is essential especially for those who are vulnerable health-wise.

A finger oxygen monitor or a finger oximeter (or a pulse oximeter) is a device that measures oxygen saturation in a person’s blood. Most of these devices use an indirect method (as opposed to a direct method where a blood sample is taken and directly measured) where the measurement is done indirectly using a clever method that uses two light-emitting diodes (LED) that emit two different light wavelengths (one red and one infrared). These lights are shone through a translucent part of a man’s body, the fingertip or the ear lobe. The device performs the measurement by taking advantage of known properties of oxygenated hemoglobin and its deoxygenated form. Apparently, oxygenated hemoglobin has significantly different absorption of the two mentioned light wavelengths from its deoxygenated counterpart and hence, the measurement is derived from this known property. Normal levels of saturation is between 95 to 100% but as low as 90% may still be acceptable (consult your doctor to learn your particular threshold).

These devices are mostly used in hospitals and intensive care units where it is important to monitor patients’ oxygenation. They are used in operating, recovery and emergency rooms. Basically, they help medical practitioners determine whether the patient may require some supplemental oxygenation. They are also used extensively by pilots to help monitor health conditions of personnel in unpressurized aircraft settings. They are used in extreme athletic activities like mountain climbing, sky-diving and other high altitude activities.

Although these devices really make good health monitoring device, they are by no means capable of comprehensively measuring the respiratory sufficiency of a person. Hence, users should not rely on them completely when it comes to diagnosing potential medical issues of a patient. It is very important to read the literature and manuals provided by the manufacturer and the limitations stated therein.  Never use a finger oxygen monitor to make any medical diagnosis especially if you are not a medical medical doctor. If you get a measurement that is less than ideal, perform the necessary action and/or contact emergency services immediately.