Ever since the second wave of COVID pandemic has hit the nation, Pulse Oximeter has become an essential product in households. Dropping oxygen level may indicate coronavirus infection and help people identify symptoms early, which let them start with the right treatment at the right time.
What is a Pulse Oximeter and how it helps in COVID-19?
A pulse oximeter is a light-weighted, small medical device that is used to record the level of oxygen carried in the body. It displays the percentage of oxygen in the blood and also the current pulse rate.
It is considered to be beneficial in COVID-19 as it helps in the early detection of coronavirus infection. The virus enters our body through the respiratory system and starts damaging the lungs by developing inflammation or pneumonia; this disturbs the oxygen saturation in the blood. It is an initial process of COVID that occurs in every person contracting the diseases, whether they develop any symptoms or remains asymptomatic. Hence, a person who is infected and might develop symptoms in later days can detect the infection at the earliest by measuring oxygen level with an oximeter.
How to know which oximeter will be appropriate in COVID-19?
With so many types of pulse oximeters available in the market, how to know which one is right for us? Here are some criteria which may help you to choose.
Categories of Oximeter – There are different types of oximeter available in the market. Majorly, three types — Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, Handheld Oximeter, and Fetal Pulse Oximeter. For COVID-19 patients at home, the fingertip pulse oximeter is best. Other types of oximeters are used in hospitals and clinics.
Features to look for – The device must have a clear & bright display screen that allows the reading to be visible. It’s made up of durable material for the long run. See if you can find one with water resistance and if it can measure heart rate too it’s a plus point.
Accuracy in measurement - Accuracy is considered to be a key factor in any measuring equipment. Although you can’t check accuracy while purchasing, you may check reviews online for the brand and product. Incorrect oxygen measurement may lead to wrong interpretation and misleading treatment.
Certifications – To ensure the quality of the device, one must check for certifications. Organizations that certify the quality and standards for oximeter are FDA, RoHS, and CE.
