Finger Pulse Oximeter
A medical device, the Finger Pulse Oximeter is able to measure the degree of oxygen saturation in the subject’s blood.

Finger Pulse Oximeter
An alternative to measuring oxygen saturation in blood via a blood sample, additional information can be gathered regarding the skin’s blood volume. The results of this are produced through something called a photoplethysmograph, which is attached to a monitor. Such monitors are able to display the patient’s oxygenation constantly in addition to showing heart rate.
If you require home blood monitoring the portable battery operated version of a finger pulse oximeter could be more suited to your requirements.
Where did the pulse oximeter originate? The first oximeter was developed by Milliken in the 1940’s - however the origination of the modern oximeter can be dated back to 1972 before it entered the US marketplace in 1980.
When a pulse oximeter functions at its most effectiveness is when a patient is suffering from unstable oxygenation. When a patient is having problems including fluctuating oxygenation is when he or she is in intensive care or other medical situations.
Not only is the medical profession interested in the benefits of the finger pulse oximeter, the gaming industry has also begun to cotton on to its benefits. Nintendo’s gaming console, the Wii, have announced a peripheral they have named the ‘Vitality Sensor’, which includes a pulse oximeter. This will work in conjunction with its Wii Fit product where fitness has entered what was once the domain of the gamer.
Finger pulse oximeters provide efficient readings without fuss or complication. They provide efficient readings when respiratory and heart patients require emergency treatment.
But what happened prior to the emergence of the oximeter in medicine? Blood tests were performed without the efficiency that we enjoy today with the oximeter.
The benefits of an oximeter are enjoyed in fields beyond the hospital rooms. Mountain climbers find they can perform more adequately when in the knowledge of their oxygen readings. In the case of mountaineers, the portable oximeter is a vital piece of kit they ensure is carried on all expeditions. Athletes too benefit from the knowledge of their blood oxygen readings.
For a non-invasive blood measurement reading method, the finger pulse oximeter is the way to go. Attach this to a monitor and the information you gain will provide a comprehensive picture. For arterial haemoglobin/oxyhaemoglobin configurations, look no further than your blood oxygen monitor for this will reveal whether or not normal ranges are achieved.