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Types of Pulse Oximeters

Pulse oximeters measure the amount of oxygen in blood. Basically, the device emits a light at two different wavelengths from one pole of the probe. Hemoglobins--oxygen-carrying red blood cells--absorb the light which is then measured by the other side of the probe. In order for the oximeter to work, the computer inside must average the amount in several pulses. If a user's blood is very slow or his pulse is light, a pulse oximeter may not work.

  1. Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

    • A fingertip pulse oximeter, which clips onto a patient's finger, has a tiny computer and screen. The clip emits light from one side and measures the light on the other. The computer measures the light over several pulses and gives a readout of the patient's blood-oxygen level.

      Often used at home, fingertip oximeters are the easiest type to operate. However, if the patient's hand is damaged or his blood flow is slow because of a clot or injury, the fingertip oximeter may not give an accurate reading or it may not work at all.

    Handheld Pulse Oximeter

    • The handheld pulse oximeter, used in almost every hospital, is similar to the fingertip device but has a more versatile clip that connects with a cord to a computer. Like the fingertip oximeter, it uses light to measure the blood's hemoglobin. It clips to a patient's fingertip or earlobe.

      This is important in cases where a patient's extremities are compromised and may not have full blood flow. Since it is so close to the brain, it is rare for an earlobe to have compromised blood flow. In an emergency, health-care professionals clip a handheld oximeter to a patient's toe.

    Fetal Pulse Oximeter

    • It is vital to know the fetal oxygen level, especially during labor. But it is difficult, if not impossible, to place a traditional probe on a baby before birth. A fetal pulse oximeter solves this problem.

      Developed in the 1990's this device has a probe doctors can insert into the birth canal and place on the baby's skull. The sensor shoots light across the probe and measures the hemoglobin level in the baby's scalp. The sensor attaches to a cord leading to a computer. One of the benefits of this oximeter is that the probe can also measure the baby's heart beats.

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