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A pulse oximeter is used to measure the amount of oxygen in a patient's blood. It is usually attached to a medical monitor so doctor’s can directly read a patient's oxygenation at all times. This is a piece of hospital as well as home medical equipment, depending on a patient's health needs.
Pulse oximeters can be used in a variety of situations but are of particular use for monitoring oxygenation and pulse rates while patients are under anesthesia. They are also widely used during the recovery phase. Oxygen saturation should always be above 95%. In patients with long standing respiratory disease, this medical equipment readings may be lower.
Blood oxygen monitors are important in emergency medicine and are also very useful for pilots operating in non-pressurized aircraft where supplemental oxygen is required. In intensive care, oximeters are used extensively during mechanical ventilation and frequently detect problems with oxygenation before they are noticed clinically.
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