Pulse Oximetry. A quick re-cap.

Pulse Oximetry is a technology used to determine the amount of oxygen in your blood. Keeping levels within a normal range means oxygen is being delivered to the cells of your body to keep them functioning. Its application is simple and it provides information about low blood oxygen conditions and your pulse rate. However it should be regarded as only one aspect of your total assessment and if you have any concerns at all you should always seek medical help

Normally oxygen saturation percentage should always be above 97 percent. Readings below this indicate varying levels of low blood oxygen (hypoxia). The term "normal" however can be misleading. If you have a chest condition such as COPD you may always have a lower than average amount of oxygen in your blood which means a pulse oximeter reading of 92 to 95 percent may be "normal" for you, each person is different. Other factors can affect the readings, even nail varnish. It also monitors your fingertip pulse rate and for adults and adolescents when resting an average pulse is between 60-100 beats per minute but for those of you with a pre existing medical condition it can vary. It doesn't monitor your pulses rhythm or strength and you can read more about factors which may alter your pulse rate reading HERE

There are many breathing tests which may be done to assess just what's happening to your lungs and you can read more about them on the British Lung Foundation website  http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Breathing-tests  and many reasons for breathlessness which you can read about here http://www.blf.org.uk/conditions/detail/breathlessness

Getting out of breath can be very frightening, which makes the breathlessness worse. In trying to avoid this, people often reduce the amount of activity they do. However, this does not help, as over time you become unfit, tired and more breathless. (http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Pulmonary-rehab) A pulse oximeter can be an invaluable tool in helping you monitor your symptoms and if you you think you, a friend or relative would benefit then take a look at the PO 30  HERE

The return of the Pulse Oximeter

Ever since we deleted the fingertip pulse oximeter from our range we have continued to take calls from many of you asking “why we no longer supply them” and “do we know anywhere you can buy one ?” After a lot of searching we are now happy to be able to announce that we have two splendid models available for you, both are reliable, accurate and come with a 3 year warranty. 
The PO 30 and the PO 80



The PO 30 is simple to operate and has an easy to read colour screen which you can rotate to 6 different views, with the added advantage of an adjustable brightness display. The automatic cut off switch helps to save battery life and the low battery indicator lets you know when its time for a change. Light enough at under 60 grams and small enough to pop in your pocket, the PO 30 comes complete with 2 AAA batteries, a lanyard and a handy belt pouch for if you are out and about. 

If feeling short of breath has become part and parcel of your daily life the PO 30 is smartly designed, useful and beneficial, wether you are buying it for yourself a friend or relative, a fingertip pulse oximeter could help to bring you peace of mind.

You can see just how useful and well design it is by clicking HERE and as always if you need to call us you can ring 01942 701210 or email by clicking HERE.

Pulse Oximetry. Would you benefit?

Oxygen is carried round the body in the blood bound to a substance called haemoglobin and the simplest way to measure how much oxygen is in your blood is by using a pulse oximeter.

A pulse oximeter is a little gadget that clips on your finger like a clothes peg. It shines two lights though your fingertip and measures the colour difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin in arterial blood, displaying the result as a percentage. Under normal conditions this should be between 97- 99% symbolised as SP02 You can see details of our PO 30 HERE

So why might you need to monitor your oxygen level?

For most people with a chest condition, shortness of breath becomes part and parcel of your lifestyle to some degree or other. In mild cases it may only be present during the winter or after a cold. In more severe cases, you may be short of breath every day and because of breathlessness normal activities can become more difficult, some of you may even need extra oxygen at home. A home pulse oximeter can be used as an extra tool to assist you in monitoring your symptoms.

So what are some of its limitations?

High levels of artificial light and dirt under your nails or nail varnish may affect the reading. The oximeter needs to read at least 5 fingertip pulse beats and therefore should not be read in an instant. Movement, such as shaking or shivering can affect the reading as can and pre existing medical conditions such as anaemia, heart or circulation problems. As it only measures one aspect of the process haemoglobin oxygen delivery and not all you could have normal saturation levels and still be short of oxygen in your body tissue.

“Pulse oximetry is considered sufficiently accurate for most  clinical purposes having recognised its limitations.” Howell M (2002) The Correct Use of Pulse Oximetry in measuring oxygen status Nursing Times.net.

It also monitors your fingertip pulse rate and for adults and adolescents when resting an average pulse is between 60-100 beats per minute but for those of you with a pre existing medical condition it can vary. It doesn’t monitor your pulses rhythm or strength and needs to be judged over a short period of time.  So before you panic, remember pulse oximetry has limitations and has to be considered in context. Were you resting or had you only just sat down? Are your fingers extra cold today? Does using a pulse oximeter make you feel anxious? All factors which can affect your results.

Always remember to take into account other signs and symptoms that have helped you in the past. How do you feel? Are you unwell? Has your breathing become quicker or more shallow? What is your peak flow? Is your heart racing? Whatever the display on the pulse oximeter shows if you are concerned at all always seek medical help
For an expert patient a pulse oximeter can be a valuable additional tool so why not take a look by clicking HERE and choose which one would suit you.