All you need to know about Oximeter
A lifesaver term that you need to add to your dictionary during Covid-19
2020, better known as the year of lockdown marked the advent of the term oximeter to majority of the households. Since previously Covid-19 was at a nascent stage there was not much awareness about this device. But soon the disease spread like a tsunami and caused havoc. 2021 is the same and according to the director of ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research), 54.5 % of patients require oxygen cylinders in the second wave as compared to the first (41.5% patients). So, it is high time we realize the need for pulse oximeters, and for that awareness about its usage is a must.
Points to be covered
What is a pulse oximeter?
Is pulse oximeter helpful in determining COVID-19?
So, when does the need for a pulse oximeter arises?
Fact file
What is a pulse oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a device for measuring the level of oxygen in a person’s blood. People suffering from lung and heart disease must be already familiar with it or you may have seen a small device clipped to a person’s finger during your hospital visit. Yes, if you recalled, you are right.
You usually slide this small device over your fingertip(or sometimes over the ear lobes), then they report blood levels via oxygen saturation measurements.
The mechanism is quite simple, it is when you breathe the oxygen goes inside your lungs, and then ultimately enters the bloodstream, to be bonded with red blood cells. After binding the Red blood cells(oxygenated) are delivered to various parts of our body. And a pulse oximeter uses infrared refraction to estimate how well the oxygen is binding to the blood.
Just like a person’s blood pressure or body temperature, the oxygen level is also a good indication of how well a body is working.
Is pulse oximeter helpful in determining COVID-19?
As we all know by now that COVD-19 is a respiratory disease and it causes a direct inflammation on the lungs that blocks the diffusion of oxygen. This can cause a blockage in the vessels that carry blood to the lungs and also affects the alveoli. Once, this happens coagulation occurs and it leads to respiratory failures leading to hypoxia(reduced amount of oxygen reaching the lungs)and ultimately Pneumonia. This will definitely affect the oxygen binding with the RBC’s and hence a need for an oximeter arises.
We know that not everyone who turns out positive for COVID-19 is suffering from Hypoxia. So, can a pulse oximeter really help detect COVID-19?
To be honest, a pulse oximeter is not a screening test for Covid-19. There are a lot of people who are asymptomatic and can easily spread the disease without even showing any symptoms.
So, when does the need for a pulse oximeter arises?
A proper screening test is required for a person who shows signs or been in contact with an infected person before. In case the results turn out not in your favor, then an oximeter can come in handy.
In the case of mild COVID, home quarantine is the ultimate solution. You can monitor your health with a pulse oximeter and when conditions get out of hand, one can seek medical help.
Also, it can also serve as an early indicator for sure but not for all such as people suffering from chronic health disease or heart disease.
Once you check your oxygen saturation level and if it falls below 90%, seek immediate medical help.
Are pulse oximeters always accurate?
If a person has issues like cold hands, or if you have applied nail polish then the readings can be quite low. Also, people with darker skin are sometimes reported as having higher oxygen levels but it is not the case every time.
NOTE- It is not advised to have oxygen therapy at home as it can cause further damage to organs. Always consult your doctor beforehand.
Fact file-
A human body consumes 250ml of oxygen per minute which means our lungs consume 5–6 millilitres of Oxygen gas per minute.
Happy or Silent Hypoxia- It is a condition observed during COVID where oxygen saturation falls below 90% but the affected person is still able to breathe normally.