What is the function of a pulse oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a medical device designed specifically to measure the oxygen saturation level in a patient's blood non-invasively. It does this by using light absorption principles, where two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) pass light through a part of the body, usually a fingertip or earlobe, and a photodetector measures the amount of light that is absorbed by the blood.

This process allows for the calculation of the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen. This measurement is critical in various medical settings as it helps healthcare professionals assess a patient’s respiratory function and overall oxygenation status. High or low levels of blood oxygen saturation can indicate whether a patient is receiving adequate oxygenation or may require supplementary oxygen or other interventions.

In contrast, devices like sphygmomanometers measure blood pressure, glucometers are used to analyze blood glucose levels, and electrocardiograms (ECGs) are utilized to monitor heart rhythm. Each of these devices serves a distinct purpose and is not designed to measure oxygen saturation in the blood, which highlights the specialized function of the pulse oximeter.