Measuring Blood Oxygen Saturation with a Pulse Oximeter

The term blood oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in a person's bloodstream that is occupied by oxygen. This is also known in medical settings as SpO2. The Medical significance of blood oxygen saturation is it must be carefully monitored as SpO2 levels below 90% cause hypoxemia. Hypoxia is a family of conditions characterized by a lack of oxygen in the body's tissues. The hypoxia may encompass the general body, or a specific area, such as the brain. In all cases, it can be dangerous or deadly, because without oxygen, the human body cannot function. In extreme cases, hypoxia can produce a situation where increased levels of carbon monoxide prevent oxygen from reaching the cells. This can lead to an actual metabolic poison thus preventing the cell from getting enough oxygen.

What's particularly important with measuring SpO2 in order to prevent hypoxia is the ability to monitor oxygen levels while on the go. A medical device which allows this is a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a small, hand-held medical device that measures the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood (SpO2) as well a patient's heart rate. As opposed to measuring oxygen saturation through an invasive procedure such as a blood sample, a pulse oximeter is used as a painless and non-invasive medical instrument. Because of their ease of use, speed, and cost effectiveness, pulse oximeters are the preferred medical device for monitoring SpO2 levels.

One case where pulse oximeters serve a great tool to measure SpO2 is with mountain climbers and climbing enthusiasts. Because climbers reach high altitudes where oxygen levels are quite low it is imperative for them to monitor their blood oxygen saturation in order to prevet hypoxia. By simply carrying a pulse oximeter they can prevent what could possibly be a dangerous scenario to their health. A pulse oximeter that has been used by climbers quite frequently is the Landon Medical PC-60B2. Specifically manufactured to be lightweight and portable the PC-60B2 model provides fast and accurate readings of blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, Perfusion Index, and audio/visual alarm functions. Small and compact it provides complete oximetry solutions while still able to fit in your pocket.