Hey there! As a supplier of Reusable Spo2 Sensors, I often get asked about how these nifty little devices measure arterial oxygen saturation. So, I thought I'd break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand.
First off, let's talk about why measuring arterial oxygen saturation is important. Oxygen is crucial for our bodies to function properly. It's carried by our red blood cells through the arteries to all the organs and tissues. Arterial oxygen saturation, or SpO2, tells us the percentage of hemoglobin in our blood that's bound to oxygen. A normal SpO2 level is usually between 95% and 100%. If it drops below 90%, it could be a sign of a problem, like a respiratory or circulatory issue.
Now, let's dive into how a Reusable Spo2 Sensor actually measures this. The basic principle behind it is something called pulse oximetry. Pulse oximeters use light to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. And Reusable Spo2 Sensors are a type of pulse oximeter.
Most Reusable Spo2 Sensors are designed to be clipped onto a finger, although there are other types that can be used on the earlobe or the forehead. Inside the sensor, there are two light - emitting diodes (LEDs) and a photodetector. The two LEDs emit light at different wavelengths: one in the red light range (around 660 nanometers) and the other in the infrared range (around 940 nanometers).
Here's the science bit. Hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, absorbs light differently depending on whether it's oxygenated or deoxygenated. Oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO2) absorbs more infrared light and less red light, while deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) absorbs more red light and less infrared light.
When the Reusable Spo2 Sensor is clipped onto your finger, the LEDs shine the red and infrared light through your finger. The light passes through the tissues, including the blood vessels in your finger. Some of the light is absorbed by the hemoglobin in the blood, and the rest is detected by the photodetector on the other side of the sensor.
The sensor then measures the amount of light that's absorbed at each wavelength. By comparing the ratio of the absorption of red light to infrared light, the sensor can calculate the SpO2 level. The device has a built - in algorithm that takes these absorption ratios and converts them into a percentage value of arterial oxygen saturation.
But that's not all. The sensor also needs to distinguish between the light absorbed by the arterial blood and the light absorbed by other tissues, like the skin, bones, and venous blood. This is where the pulse comes in. The arterial blood volume in our fingers changes with each heartbeat. The sensor detects these changes in blood volume as a pulsatile signal. It uses this pulsatile signal to isolate the absorption due to arterial blood from the background absorption of other tissues.
Let me give you an example to make it clearer. Imagine you're shining a flashlight through a glass of water with some colored beads in it. The water and the beads will absorb some of the light. But if you move the beads around in a regular pattern (like a heartbeat), you can tell which part of the light absorption is due to the beads and which is due to the water. That's kind of how the Reusable Spo2 Sensor works with the arterial blood and other tissues.
There are different types of Reusable Spo2 Sensors available on the market. For example, we have the Reusable Adult Finger Clip Spo2 Sensor Probe. This sensor is designed specifically for adults and is very easy to use. It has a comfortable clip that fits securely on the finger and provides accurate SpO2 readings.
Another great option is the Reusable Adult Finger Clip Spo2 Sensor Compatible With Nellcor Oximax DB9 Male 9pin L = 1m Oximax Tech. This sensor is not only reusable but also compatible with a popular oximeter model. It's a great choice for healthcare facilities that use Nellcor oximeters.
And if you're looking for a sensor for Philips oximeters, we have the SpO2 Adult Silicone Finger Sensor For Philips. The silicone material makes it comfortable to wear for long periods, and it provides reliable SpO2 measurements.
As a supplier, we make sure that our Reusable Spo2 Sensors are of high quality. We test them rigorously to ensure accurate and consistent readings. The sensors are also designed to be durable, so they can be used multiple times without losing their accuracy.
If you're in the market for Reusable Spo2 Sensors, whether you're a healthcare provider, a medical equipment distributor, or someone who needs a sensor for personal use, we'd love to talk to you. We can offer you a wide range of options to suit your needs and budget. Contact us to start a conversation about your procurement needs. We're here to help you find the best Reusable Spo2 Sensors for your situation.
References
- "Principles of Pulse Oximetry" - Mayo Clinic
- "Pulse Oximetry: A Review" - Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing