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Oxygen is essential for our body to function properly, and our blood plays a vital role in transporting this crucial element to every part of our body. To ensure adequate oxygen levels, we use a specialized test called pulse oximetry. Often referred to as the "fifth vital sign," pulse oximetry is a quick, non-invasive method to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.
The process involves using a pulse oximeter, a clip-like device that emits light at specific wavelengths through tissue, usually the nail bed. This device helps assess blood oxygen levels accurately and efficiently. As you breathe, your lungs take in oxygen, which is transferred to your blood. The heart pumps this oxygen-rich blood throughout your body, ensuring every organ functions optimally.
If blood oxygen levels are too low, vital organs can become overworked and function impaired. Pulse oximetry in Mukundapur can swiftly and painlessly detect low oxygen levels, allowing for prompt intervention and preventing severe outcomes. At our Haematology Department in Mukundapur, Kolkata, we are committed to ensuring you receive the best care and timely diagnosis for your health needs.
Pulse Oximetry in Mukundapur
A pulse oximeter is a small electronic tool that is commonly placed on a body part, usually the tip of the finger. It produces light that traverses through the skin, blood, tissue, and fingernails. The device calculates and assesses the amount of light that is not absorbed by the blood or tissue on the other side of the finger. Using this data, the device calculates the level of oxygen in the blood.
Due to its common use in measuring blood oxygen levels and other important signs, pulse oximetry is often considered the fifth vital sign.
General practice: Regular physical evaluations for efficient assessment of overall well-being
Operation: Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative monitoring, including anaesthesia
Medication: Keeping an eye on patients taking drugs that impair lung function and breathing
Lung and heart conditions: Evaluation of lung function in cases of heart failure, anaemia, pneumonia, lung cancer, asthma, ARDS, COPD, and anaemia
Sleep disorders: Diagnosing obstructive pulmonary disease in people
Home use: It is advised that individuals with lung issues adhere to their doctor's instructions and receive routine examinations
Organs like the brain, kidneys, and heart are in danger of hypoxemia, which is defined as blood oxygen levels falling below 95%.
Some symptoms include shortness of breath, chest discomfort, coughing or wheezing, lightheadedness, headaches, and a racing heart rate.
Changes in vision and cognition may arise below 80–85%.
At 67%, blue staining of the skin, nail beds, and mucous membranes may be a sign of cyanosis, which may result in respiratory failure.
If you have a long-term lung problem, keep an eye on your oxygen levels and ask your doctor about appropriate ranges. Seeking medical assistance as soon as symptoms appear is essential.
A pulse oximeter is controlled by transmitting a pulsating light beam, consisting of both infrared and red wavelengths, through a capillary bed. The oxygen saturation of the blood can be determined by measuring the ratio of red to infrared blood light transmitted. The oximeter functions on the basis that red blood with oxygen is more vibrant than red blood with oxygen, which is more blue-purple in hue. The oximeter first calculates the total intensity of the two red hues, which stand for the proportions of oxygen-containing and oxygen-deficient blood. After detecting the pulse, the oximeter subtracts the colour intensity that it detected in the absence of the pulse. The colour intensity that remains represents only the red blood that has been oxygenated. This is shown as a percentage on the computer screen.
The usual range for a normal oxygen saturation level is 95% to 100%. 90% and lower are regarded as low and may require medical intervention. To guarantee that the body's tissues and organs receive enough oxygen to function correctly, normal levels must be maintained. Frequent monitoring can assist in the early detection and treatment of possible health problems.
Use a pulse oximeter at home to monitor your health. But remember, serious illnesses may still need medical attention. If you experience hypoxemia symptoms, go to the hospital right away. To raise blood oxygen levels naturally:
Breathe fresh air: To enhance the amount of oxygen you breathe in, either open windows or go for a walk.
Give up smoking: In a matter of weeks, circulation is enhanced, resulting in reduced shortness of breath and increased uptake of oxygen.
Practice breathing exercises: Two techniques for increasing oxygen intake are deep abdominal breathing and pursing the lips.
The possible significance of the results may be:
A low level of oxygen in the blood (less than 89%) indicates inadequate oxygen supply to the body, potentially due to issues with the heart or lungs
If levels fall below ideal, oxygen supplementation through a tube may be required
Without any other medical explanation, even low 90s oxygen levels can be cause for alarm
Readings from pulse oximeters are approximations; for example, a 90% measurement may range from 86% to 94%
Various factors can affect accuracy, such as the type of sensors used, smoking, inadequate blood circulation, and having manicures
Studies indicate that certain instruments might not precisely gauge oxygen saturation levels in people with deeper skin tones
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