Traditionally, oxygen saturation was measured invasely by drawing samples of blood. Oxygen saturation is simply the measure of the level of oxyhaemoglobing in the blood. The measure is especially important as it alerts on the level of blood oxygenation. The traditional means of measurement was inefficient as it was unable to equip clinicians with real time measurements. This ineffectiveness prompted the innovation of wrist pulse oximeters.

A pulse oxymeter is simply a device that non-invasively measures the arterial blood oxygen saturation and the pulse rate. The technique enables clinicians to determine SpO2 in people that are sedated, unconscious, unaesthetic or not able to regulate their own supply of oxygen. This avoids irreversible tissue supply. They are widely used in medical clinics, hospitals, homes and operating rooms.

The device is medically used by patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, emphysema among other respiratory conditions. People in very high altitudes such as mountain climbers and pilots also make use of it to aide guard against hypoxia. The oximeter technique can be helpful to athletes while training at high altitudes. The drastic depletion in oxygen level could increase the red blood cells of the athlete and help to increase their endurance.

The benefits accruing from this crucial equipment are many and diverse. To begin with, they are quite mobile and portable, with no need for an external source of energy. They are appended to the wrist, which makes them convenient and portable for users requiring continuous monitoring. Also the measuring tools come in lightweight without cables which could otherwise be subject to interruptions by being tangled or caught.

Their simplicity makes them easy to operate. To operate such simple equipment, one does not employ a lot of technical know-how and expertise. The only part that demands for some minor technical know how is in transferring the data. Taking readings from the screen is also quite simple as a result of their big display. This is completely contrary to the other Oximeters, such as finger based which have small displays and views of saturation levels.

These measuring instruments are also quite affordable. As opposed to the finger and handheld Oximeters, they are mid-priced and within the reach of many. Another outstanding feature of this gadget is that it embraces all age groups, from adults to pediatric. Numerous wrist meters fit not only pediatric but also adult population, basing on the finger size and the individual units potential to use various sizes and types.

The equipment can also serve as data storage. An internal memory is incorporated into the gadget for storage of information. It is also possible to program them for readings within particular set time intervals to enhance drawing measurements about the heartbeat rate and saturation. With this utility, extensive heart rate and the oxygen content is recorded and a software can be installed on computers to enable them generate reports.

However, they also have their own setbacks when compared with other applications. For example, the equipment lacks alarm. Their use is primarily for sleep screening, and that is why alarms are not employed. When alarm service is required, handheld and tabletop Oximeters are preferred. Though the instrument offers spot checks, it is not the most ideal when the primary need is spot checking.