Table Top Pulse Oximeter – NSL – VS2000

Pulse Oximeter Alvital – NSL AT101 is particularly convenient fornoninvasivecontinuous measurement of blood oxygen saturation. In contrast, blood gas levels must otherwise be determined in a laboratory on a drawn blood sample. Pulse oximetry is useful in any setting where a patient’soxygenationis unstable, includingintensive care, operating, recovery, emergency and hospital ward settings,pilotsin unpressurized aircraft, for assessment of any patient’s oxygenation, and determining the effectiveness of or need for supplementaloxygen. Although a pulse oximeter is used to monitor oxygenation, it cannot determine the metabolism of oxygen, or the amount of oxygen being used by a patient. For this purpose, it is necessary to also measurecarbon dioxide(CO₂) levels. It is possible that it can also be used to detect abnormalities in ventilation.

However, the use of a pulse oximeter to detecthypoventilationis impaired with the use of supplemental oxygen, as it is only when patients breathe room air that abnormalities in respiratory function can be detected reliably with its use. Therefore, the routine administration of supplemental oxygen may be unwarranted if the patient is able to maintain adequate oxygenation in room air, since it can result in hypoventilation going undetected.^[44]

Because of their simplicity of use and the ability to provide continuous and immediate oxygen saturation values, pulse oximeters are of critical importance inemergency medicineand are also very useful for patients with respiratory or cardiac problems, especiallyCOPD, or for diagnosis of somesleep disorderssuch asapneaandhypopnea.^[45]Portable battery-operated pulse oximeters are useful for pilots operating in a non-pressurized aircraft above 10,000 feet (12,500 feet in the U.S.)^[46]where supplemental oxygen is required.

Portable pulse oximeters are also useful for mountain climbers and athletes whose oxygen levels may decrease at highaltitudesor with exercise. Some portable pulse oximeters employ software that charts a patient’s blood oxygen and pulse, serving as a reminder to check blood oxygen levels.