What is Pulse oximetry?
With Pulse oximetry the arterial oxygen saturation in blood and the pulse rate are measured in patients by non-invasive method. The oxygen saturation is ascertained with the aid of light absorption method during systole. Only the absorption is measured through pulsating blood flow. That is the reason why it is named as “Pulse oximetry”. The process is based on the property of haemoglobin, to change colour depending on the oxygen binding. Hereby, the oxygen-deficient (deoxygenated) haemoglobin absorbs more light than the oxygen-rich haemoglobin (oxygenated).
As per the device, a clip, a blood-pressure cuff or a flexible sensor can be attached or clipped to the hand, finger, toe, ear lobe or nose-bridge of the patient for pulse measurement.

Why is Pulse oximetry necessary?
A continuous measurement of the arterial oxygen saturation is compulsory, particularly in case of mechanically ventilated patients. The pulse oximetry is a standard monitoring instrument used in emergency medicine, at the intensive care unit and in anaesthesia.
Through Pulse oximetry hypoxaemia can be identified quickly and BGA-checks can be reduced. The information on the oxygen binding are given immediately upon the beginning of the measurement after setting up the clips, the blood-pressure cuff or probe and without advance calibration of the equipment. There will not be any burning of skin, as the sensor is not heated.

Our solution for you
With the Pulse oximeter OXIrate, you can measure not only the arterial oxygen saturation and pulse frequency of the patients but also the body temperature. Equipped with appropriate sensor, the oximeter can be employed from neonates to adults in clinical field and in home care. Through its compact design the Pulse oximeter OXIrate enables intuitive operation. Another advantage is the recording of all the events. These can be exported to a PC for evaluating, archiving and printing. The specialists who give the treatment thus keep a summary of the saturation process.

Technical literature on the subject
• S. Schäfer, F. Kirshc, G.Scheuermann, et al. Fachpflege Beatmung. Elsevier, Munich 2005: 226 ff. ISBN 3-437-25182-1.
• A. Messall, Ch. Rohrbach (Publisher.): Fachpflege neonatologische und pädiatrische Intensivpflege. Elsevier, Munich 2006: 78 f. ISBN 3-437-27100-8.