What is the Use of Pulse Oximeters?

Pulse oximeter is an accurate, noninvasive device commonly used to measure arterial oxygen saturation. A small probe is attached to a patient's finger, earlobe or forehead. The probe monitors the level of oxygen in the blood and displays it on a screen for easy reading.

Pulse oximetry has many applications; it's one of the most important inventions in occupational medicine and can help identify people at risk for heart attacks or strokes. The technology is also invaluable when monitoring high-risk premature infants in intensive care units, patients undergoing dialysis treatments, and burn victims undergoing debridement (removing dead skin).