A popular piece of kit in a world troubled by COVID-19, a Blood Pulse Oximeter is a cheap and effective way to add an extra string to your bow when it comes to practicing preventative care. But while everyone seems to be picking one up, it can be hard to tell why they are so useful.
So, what exactly is a blood pulse oximeter and why should you potentially consider picking up one today?
What is a Blood Pulse Oximeter
A simple but effective piece of kit, a blood pulse oximeter is used to measure the level of oxygen saturation in your blood to an extremely high degree of accuracy. Placed over the tip of a finger, the device shines a ray of light onto your skin and measures the change in light absorption. This change allows the device to calculate how much oxygen is in your blood and provide an early warning if it drops too low or if the wearer becomes hypoxic.
Modern units are small enough to carry around in your bag or purse and can give a quick, painless reading with seconds of being applied. This can also be used to measure your heart rate and give a regular overview of your health to help provide peace of mind or give detailed information to a medical professional.
Portable and highly effective, this makes them a useful tool for helping to spot COVID-19 – and a range of other issues – early and take appropriate action in time. If you are suffering from an underlying health condition, this can help monitor your pulse and ensure that your vitals are normal.
Why are people using them?
While information about COVID-19 is still being gathered and fully verified, one of the early tell-tale signs of infection is a drop in blood oxygen levels. While there is no one-size-fits-all early warning system, a blood pulse oximeter has quickly become an efficient and cost-effective way to get an early warning sign about asymptomatic infection and seek help or quarantine quickly.
Despite this helpful tool, it is vital to ensure that you do not panic or misread a diagnosis. Professional healthcare is the best and taking careful precautionary measures such as mask-wearing, social distancing, and more can help avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19 in the first place.
Where can I get one?
Thankfully, blood pulse oximeters are relatively easy to come by and are fairly inexpensive, allowing you to get a little extra support at no additional cost. Most models are portable, low maintenance, and long-lasting – with many devices running on batteries and enjoying considerable shelf life.However, it is important to ensure that any oximeter you source comes from a trusted provider and is fully tested before relying on it to secure a reading of any kind. Sourcing a device from a trusted provider like Sensoronics can help ensure reliable quality and a full warranty overuse - providing quality care and helping to minimize risk and stress.