Currently there are many types of oximeters or pulse oximeters, each one specifically designed for a situation, with different qualities, prices and sizes. In general, we can talk about the following types:
Wrist Oximeter:
As you can see in the image, it consists of two parts; one on the wrist similar to a watch where the entire information processing system and the screen are carried, and a sensor that is placed on one of the fingers of the hand, both being linked by a cable that transmits the information captured. This type of pulse oximeter is generally used to study patients with suspected sleep apnea, a disease in which episodes of hypoxemia occur during night sleep. To do this, the device performs a continuous measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood, providing us with very valuable information to see the patient’s condition, and can be used both at the patient’s home and in hospitals or sleep clinics.
handheld oximeter
It is a type that is commonly used in hospitals and health centers due to the higher quality it offers compared to finger oximeters, although on the other hand, it is more expensive and cumbersome. It consists of two parts: the sensor that is applied to the patient’s finger, a small computer with a screen that processes and displays the information, and the cable that connects them.
Fixed or table oximeter
It is the most complete type of oximeter, of the highest quality, and therefore the most expensive and largest. It is used almost exclusively in hospitals. It has better sensors that allow continuous measurement of constants and with greater precision.
finger pulse oximeter
It is the most common and used type of oximeter, very easy to use and cheap. It is a clamp-shaped device that is applied to the finger, and consists of an LCD or LED screen at the top where it will show us all the information collected on heart rate, oxygen saturation and pulse wave. Being small, we can always carry it with us if we need it, in our pocket or bag, using it anytime, anywhere. By not having cables, it is not bulky, and we will not need to connect it to the current because it works with AAA batteries that we can easily replace.
Smartwatches
A relatively type of oximeters are the Smartwatch, smart watches that include the sensors and mechanisms of a pulse oximeter in their lower part, taking the reading on our wrist. In general, they are quite precise, presenting measurements that are very close to the rest of the oximeters that we have talked about. As they are small devices, we can always carry them with us and take measurements where and when we want, even doing it continuously if we need it.
