Seeing an operating theatre is a scary moment and this effect is intensified with the sound of all those machines such as the fingertip pulse oximeter, among others. A fingertip pulse oximeter can detect hypoxia before a patient shows signs of becoming cyanotic (bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes due to not enough oxygen in the blood). For this reason, fingertip pulse oximeters may be used in all manner of situations but are of particular value for monitoring a patient’s oxygenation and pulse rates when undergoing surgical procedure, particularly those involving anaesthesia or conscious sedation.

They are also widely used after surgery during the recovery phase and in the ITU arena. Pulse oximetry is used extensively on mechanically ventilated patients, as it can frequently detect problems with oxygenation before they are noticed clinically, as well as a valuable guide for weaning patients off ventilation and helping to assess the adequacy of a patient's oxygen therapy.

This continuing assessment process has been instrumental in the introduction of pulse oximeter usage within the community and homecare environment. This is where you have products such as the fingertip pulse oximeter CMS50H, the fingertip pulse oximeter CMS50H Data Store and the fingertip pulse oximeter CMS50H PC software.

The fingertip pulse oximeter CMS50E has the following features;

  • Sleek, modern design.
  • Powerful lithium battery charges when plugged into wall or computer
  • Free software to upload and analyse up to 24 hours of data at a time.
  • Suitable for Sports and Aviation use
  • Automatic power-off after 5 seconds without signal

The fingertip pulse oximeter CMS 50E has the ability to store 24 hours’ worth of data. Readings can be uploaded to your computer easily using the free software that is included with the device. Measurements can then be analysed if you want to. The bright, multicolour display makes reading your SpO2 an easy, fun experience. The next generation display allows you to see your readings in 4 different directions. The device charges when connected to the computer or connected to the power supply via power adaptor.

Getting accurate readings from your finger pulse oximeter, particularly during activity, is vital to maintaining a healthy oxygen level.2 You need to know that your finger pulse oximeter is accurate. A fit, healthy person should have an oxygen saturation level between 95% & 99%. Results lower than this, and especially below 90% may be caused by problems including lung diseases, such as COPD, breathing difficulties, cigarette smoking or circulatory problems such as excessive bleeding or blood vessel problems.

Bear in mind that pretty much all fingertip pulse oximeters on the market, whether "budget" or "top-of-the-range", have an accuracy usually quoted by the manufacturers as + or - 2%. In our own independent testing, it is extremely rare for them to differ by more than 1% but it is important to remember this and not become too focused on a single "cut-off" percentage figure. The fingertip pulse oximeter you opt for will depend on various factors such as price, accuracy and ease of use.