What is the primary use of a pulse oximeter?

The primary use of a pulse oximeter is to measure the oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the blood. This tool assesses how much oxygen is being carried in the bloodstream, which is critical for determining a patient's respiratory function and overall oxygenation status. The device works by using light absorption principles, allowing it to quickly gauge the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen compared to deoxygenated hemoglobin.

Understanding oxygen saturation levels is vital in many clinical situations because inadequate oxygen levels can lead to significant complications and require timely intervention. While a pulse oximeter can also provide heart rate information as a complimentary feature, its main function is focused on monitoring oxygen saturation, which is essential for various patients, especially those with respiratory conditions or during surgery. This makes the measurement of oxygen saturation a core aspect of monitoring patients’ health in diverse medical settings.