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The Pulse Oximeter
The Pulse Oximeter
Pulse oximetry is a procedure used to measure the oxygen level (or oxygen saturation) in
the blood. It is considered to be a non-invasive, painless, and a general indicator of oxygen
delivery to the peripheral tissues (such as the finger, earlobe, or nose).
Use of pulse oximetry in cases of smoke or carbon monoxide inhalation is not helpful because oximetry
cannot distinguish between normal oxygen saturation in the haemoglobin and the
carboxyhaemoglobin saturation of haemoglobin that occurs with inhalation of smoke or carbon
dioxide.
Certain factors or conditions may interfere with the results of the test. These include, but are not
limited to, the following:
Decreased blood flow to the peripheral vessels
Light shining directly on the oximetry probe
Movement of the area to which the probe is attached
Severe anemia (decreased red blood cells)
Extreme warmth or coolness of the area to which the probe is attached
Excessive sweating of the area to which the probe is attached
HYPOXIA OR HYPOXEMIA
When your body doesn't have enough oxygen, you could get hypoxemia or hypoxia. These are
dangerous conditions. Without oxygen, your brain,liver, and other organs can be damaged just minutes
after symptoms start.
Hypoxemia (low oxygen in your blood) can cause hypoxia (low oxygen in your tissues) when your blood
doesn't carry enough oxygen to your tissues to meet your body's needs. The word hypoxia is
sometimes used to describe both problems.Some causes are,but not limited to are COPD (Chronic
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease), Pulmonary Edema,Anaemia,Asthma,Bronchitis, Emphysema, and
heart disease.