In order to function properly, our body needs a constant supply of oxygen, water and food.
A person can survive a few weeks without food and several days without water, but nobody can stay alive more than 3 minutes without oxygen.
A proper oxygenation is essential for our health and well-being.
However, there are many medical conditions associated with oxygen deficiency.
In such cases, an oxygen monitor, also named a pulse oximeter, can be extremely helpful.
It's a non-invasive medical device that calculates the blood's oxygen levels.
It's usually placed on the fingertip, earlobe or another translucent part of the body with a good blood flow.
By emitting and receiving two different kinds of light beams - red and infrared - the monitor compares and calculates the blood's oxygenation.
The saturated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light, while the hemoglobin with a low oxygen level reacts to the red light.
The analysis of the received light is translated into a percentage of the oxygen saturation.
The results are shown instantly on the digital screen, providing us a real-time feedback of the situation.
Most oxygen monitors also display the patient's heart rate.
Oxygen monitors are very useful in our day-by-day life, whenever we need to check on our oxygen levels: at home, at work, during a travel or on vacation.
Advanced models are always present in hospitals, especially in emergency and intensive care.
During a surgery, the monitor will constantly display the anesthetized patient's oxygen levels and heart rate.
The instrument can also detect an incipient form of hypoxia before its full manifestation, being extremely helpful during mechanical ventilation.
There are many cases when the pulse oximeter proved to be a real life savior by alerting the medical personnel that the patient needs urgently supplemental oxygen.
If you're taking care of a child with respiratory difficulties or of a person in a critical condition, you can use a special model of oxygen monitor.
It can be programmed to sound an alarm whenever the patient's oxygen levels or pulse rate drop below a certain limit.
There are several professions associated with high altitudes and extenuating physical effort where the use of an oxygen monitor is mandatory.
Pilots, mountain climbers and athletes need to carry these devices with them all the time.
The features of the pulse oximeters are permanently developed.
New uses are discovered on a regular basis, for example the possibility of measuring the blood loss volume.
There are many circumstances in life when one minute or even several seconds can make the difference between life and death.
Thanks to its capacity of instantly showing the results, the oxygen monitor is capable of saving lives in situations when the medical help is not within reach.
This device is not a luxury, but a good investment in your health and safety.