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Pulse Oximetry in Broadway

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse Oximetry Test in Broadway

Oxygen is a vital component that plays an essential role in cellular respiration. The process involves inhalation, which travels to the lungs and enters the bloodstream. The oxygen-rich blood is then circulated throughout the body to produce energy. The utilisation of oxygen by cells leads to the production of carbon dioxide, which is carried to the lungs by the bloodstream and exhaled through the nose or mouth. Maintaining optimal blood oxygen levels is vital for health, as low levels can impact organs like the brain and heart. Pulse oximetry is a device that helps measure blood oxygen saturation levels, especially for patients receiving anaesthesia. 

The pulse oximetry test in Broadway is a non-invasive device and can detect even small variations in oxygen levels. They effectively show how blood oxygen is transported from the heart to different parts of the body, such as the arms and legs. The Department of Haematology at Manipal Hospitals, Broadway, Kolkata, uses advanced pulse oximetry techniques to measure blood oxygen levels accurately, ensuring timely interventions when necessary. 
 

FAQ's

The device measures light or spectrophotometry to determine the percentage of haemoglobin that is saturated with blood. It is generally employed to check whether the patient's oxygen level is low. The procedure involves a small, plastic electronic device called a pulse oximeter clipped to your fingertip or earlobe. The oximeter will send small beams of light through the blood to measure the amount of oxygen. The oximeter measures the light reflected off the haemoglobin molecules, and later provides measurements that match your oxygen level and heart rate. 

Ideal candidates for pulse oximetry include:

  • For hospitalised patients receiving particular medications that may impair their respiration, like opioids
  • Individuals with acute respiratory disease
  • For those who have undergone sedation before and after the surgery
  • For individuals to check breathing problems during sleep (sleep apnea)
  • For patients to detect oxygen levels and adjust the administration of oxygen, especially those on ventilator support or diagnosed with other medical conditions of varying stages
  • To assess an individual's ability to tolerate increased physical ability
     

Pulse oximetry helps to monitor and manage various diseases and ailments, some of which include:

  • Cardiac-related conditions, such as heart attack
  • Impaired breathing, especially for newborn babies
  • Lung conditions like  chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or cystic fibrosis
  • Anaemia
  • Pneumonia
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning or smoke inhalation that affects breathing
  • Multiple episodes of vomiting and nausea
  • Head or neck injury that affects respiration
  • Drug overdose
  • COVID-19
     

Yes, you can perform a pulse oximetry test at home, and our specialists will guide and instruct you on how to use it. General instructions, however, include:

  • Removing jewellery or nail polish applied on your finger or earlobe where you will be clipping
  • Allowing the reader to stabilise before recording for a minute
  • Make sure that your hand is relaxed, warm, and below your heart level
  • It is preferable to sit for accurate measures
  • Keeping your fingertip under the red light and your hand steady in resting position
  • Cleaning the oximeter properly, as well as checking if it is working properly
  • Avoid performing the procedure under a bright light source, as it could hinder the values
  • Checking that the light source is not blocked by dirt or dust
     

The normal oxygen saturation level that should show in a pulse oximeter should be between 95% and 100%. Levels below 90% are considered hypoxemia or low oxygen levels. Moreover, people living at sea level have oxygen saturation ranging from 96% to 100%, compared to individuals residing in high elevations with slightly lower levels. Additionally, pulse oximeters are usually calibrated between 70% and 100% with an accuracy of 2% and 4%. Nevertheless, if your pulse oximeter shows a reading that is less than 70%, the readings might not be as reliable. 
 

Several factors can affect the readings of a pulse oximeter, some of which include:

  • Wearing artificial nails or nail polish
  • Direct sunlight or other light sources interfere with the readings 
  • Cold hands or poor circulation
  • Dark-skinned people may show false readings
  • Smoking, which affects the readings due to oximeter analysing carbon monoxide levels in the blood
     

Pulse oximeters are non-invasive devices and are safe to use. Rare complications such as heat blisters due to prolonged use of sensors, false or incorrect readings, allergic reactions to the adhesive properties of single-use sensors, and pressure injuries caused by clips are seen. Since complications are based on individual factors, our specialist will inform you of possible risks that may arise when undergoing pulse oximetry. 

If the reading on your pulse oximeter is below 90% and you're feeling symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest discomfort or tightness, cough, or confusion, it is crucial to seek medical attention. If you are not experiencing any symptoms, wait a few minutes, check your reading again, and ensure the device is used correctly. It could be a sign of a false reading. Contact our specialist for further advice and guidance if the reading shows a continuous error. 
 

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