What is an oximeter and will it help monitor coronavirus symptoms?

This everyday medical device is suddenly in high demand for its potential in monitoring COVID-19 symptoms

A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips onto your finger and monitors oxygen levels in the blood.

They have been getting attention lately for their potential to help monitor symptoms of COVID-19 at home. One of the many strange things about this new coronavirus is that some patients with very low blood oxygen levels (which require medical treatment) aren’t always aware of it. They may not feel particularly unwell or have other symptoms of low oxygen levels. This has led some doctors – especially in the US – to suggest that pulse oximeters might help people track symptoms at home. As official advice tells us to monitor COVID-19 symptoms at home where possible, a health device that tells you about your blood oxygen levels sounds like something handy to have. 

If you or your child suffer from asthma, you will know how important it is to take reliable and accurate oxygen level readings.

This week I want to introduce you to the Heal force Prince 100A. One of the reasons we love it so much is that it will give you peace of mind without the need to visit your doctor and at a reasonable price. 

We know there are many models available, however for us, the most important thing to note when searching for Oximeters is Accuracy and Reliability!

This is why if someone asks me at my pharmacy or at HealthCare4All for my opinion, this is a great finger pulse oximeter to buy and IN STOCK.

What are Pulse Oximeters?

 Pulse oximeters help you monitor the amount of oxygen carried  around your body. Its completely painless and all you have to do is attach it to a fingertip for a few moments to get a reading.

An oxygen level of greater than 95% is generally considered to be a normal oxygen level and a level of 92% or less suggests low blood oxygen.

In addition to oxygen level it also tells you your pulse rate. For adults a normal pulse rate is 60-80 beats per minute, however your heart rate would be expected to increase with exercise and and oxygen saturation may slightly decrease (it should still remain at 90% or greater though).

I wanted to find one that is easy to use at home for at-home patient monitoring. For people with COPD, pulse oximetry is useful as a tool for patients to use at home to assist with their management under physician guidance. Monitoring your oxygen saturation level will help you to adjust your oxygen flow at home, during exercise, and during social activities (Not at the moment though!!). It can also assist your doctor in deciding if your COPD is getting worse.

For People with COPD, asthma and other lung diseases who want to be active, the quality of the oximeter they use is important. Accurate readings are very important – particularly when patients are active and their oxygen level may be dropping to provide accurate readings especially when you are active.

Introducing the Heal force Prince 100A ?

Buy here from HealthCare4All - £29.99

The brand new Heal Force 100A oximeter has been re-launched for 2020 with a hugely improved LED display and modern design.

Robust and drop-resistant, it’s also even easier to use – simply insert your finger and the oximeter will AUTOMATICALLY switch on and begin measurement, giving you the required results in 5 seconds. When you remove your finger it will automatically switch off as well!

This fingertip pulse oximeter is intended for measuring the pulse rate and functional oxygen saturation (Sp02) through a patient’s finger.
It is suitable for spot-checking Sp02 and pulse rate of adults and paediatric patients at home and in medical clinics.

Features:
High Resolution LED Display
Bright white illuminated characters on black background with large number display – easy to see even in the dark
Automatic power on and off
Water splash protection
Readings will display in 5 seconds
For Adult & Paediatric use
Small and compact, portable and lightweight
Accurate and Motion tolerant
Rugged Design
Easy Fit Conveniently
PR and PI shifts
Pulse Bar
Over-limits indication with sound
Bi-Directional Display (can be rotated 180 degrees to view on subject’s finger by pressing the button)
Screen Size: 0.95 inch
Latex-free surfaces – can be cleaned with 75% alcohol to disinfect