Mountaineering Companies Use Pulse Oximeters

I just read on http://www.mtkilimanjarologue.com/ that some of the mountaineering companies in Tanzania have introduced a system of checking the climbers - throughout the day - by using a Pulse Oximeter. The Pulse Oximeter is used to check blood oxygen saturation during the climb allowing the mountain guide to see how the climber's body is adapting to the reduced amount of oxygen at the higher altitudes. If the climber's oxygen saturation is below an acceptable level, they have emergency oxygen for their safety. Taking an oximeter along on a mountain climbing trip makes so much sense.

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Finger Oximeter and Hand Held Oximeter

The Digit Finger Oximeter is a Pulse Oximeter and Sensor in one unit providing fast, reliable SpO2, pulse rate and pulse strength measurements on patients from pediatric to adult.







Features:
• Combines monitor and sensor into one lightweight, pocketsize, portable solution
• Easy-to-use, one-button keypad
• Provides fast, reliable SpO2, pulse rate and pulse strength measurements
• Monitor patients ranging from pediatric to adult
• Large LED display for use in a wide range of light or dark environments
• Auto power shutdown after 8 seconds conserves batteries when not in use
• Low-battery indicator flashes when remaining battery time drops under 30 minutes
• Rugged design features four springs enclosed in a high impact polycarbonate shell
• Full Two Year Warranty

SPECIFICATIONS:Displays, Indicators & Keys:
SpO2 LED numeric display 0.32 inches (8.1 mm) high
Pulse Rate LED numeric display 0.32 inches (8.1 mm) high
Pulse Strengt LED bar graph display 0.32 inches (8.1 mm) high

Rugged design features four springs enclosed in a high impact polycarbonate shell




BCI 3303 Hand-Held Pulse Oximeter
The BCI 3303 hand held pulse oximeter incorporates a visible and audible high/low alarm system to alert users to changes in pulse rate and oxygen saturation percentage. It is used during monitoring situations like minor surgery and stress testing. This unit is very portable and provides a continuous, or spot check pulse oximetry monitoring system with alarms and an internal rechargeable battery. Tough enough for field use with protective rubber boot. Ideal for use in the hospital or clinical environment during emergency air or land transportation.

Features:

• Easy-to-read LED display with adjustable brightness
• Separate patient and system tones for recognition of patient alarms or monitor alerts
• One-touch direct function keys for easy, no-menu operation
• 24-hour memory feature with on-screen recall for up to 99 patient
• SpO2 and pulse rate readings
• Internal rechargeable Ni-MH battery

MedEx01.com is a great resource for medical supplies. They carry top of the line finger oximeters and hand held oximeters.

Pulse Oximetry / Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter is the device used for performing the test. It has a probe, which is attached to the patient's finger or ear lobe, that is connected to a computerized unit. The unit displays the percentage of Hb saturated with oxygen. In some pulse oximeter models, the heart rate and blood flow can also be monitored. The oximeter can detect hypoxia before a patient becomes cyanotic.

What is Pulse Oximetry?

Pulse oximetry measures the percentage of hemoglobin (Hb) saturated with oxygen. This oxygen saturation is a measure of how much oxygen the blood is carrying as a percentage of the maximum it could carry.

How Pulse Oximetry is Performed

Pulse Oximetry is performed simply by placing a special light clip on your finger, earlobe or toe. The clip is attached to the pulse oximeter by a cable, which is connected to the pulse oximeter computerized unit. The pulse oximeter monitors the oxygen saturation in the blood. The testing is non-invasive and does not cause pain, nor is it considered a "risky" procedure. Pulse oximetry can be performed at rest, during activity or even during sleep. How A Pulse Oximeter WorksA pulse oximeter passes two light waves (red and infrared) through the skin to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

How A Pulse Oximeter Works

A pulse oximeter passes two light waves (red and infrared) through the skin to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood. The oximeter detects the slight change in color of the arterial blood caused by the beat of the heart when blood is pushed into the finger (or earlobe or toe). Because the change in color is so minute, it is imperative to ensure a strong pulse during testing. When the pulse is weak, the results may be inaccurate.

Pulse Oximetry Test Results

Pulse oximeter results must be accompanied by the percentage of oxygen the person is breathing, and their respiratory rate, for the results to be meaningful. A fit, healthy person should have an oxygen saturation between 95% and 99%. Results lower than 90% may be caused by excessive bleeding, lung problems, cigarette smoking, blood vessel problems, lung diseases such as COPD. Percentages above 99% may indicate that the testing was performed outside the pulse oximeter's limitations; re-testing may be needed.

What the Results Mean

One Hb molecule has the ability to carry up to four oxygen molecules. Therefore, one hundred hemoglobin molecules could carry a maximum of 400 oxygen molecules. If during testing, the hemoglobin molecules were carrying 380 oxygen molecules, the percentage of saturation would be 95% ((380/400) x 100 = 95%).

MedEx01.com ia a great resource for medical supplies including oximeters.

Source: ibreathe.com, health.discovery.com, and pulseox.info