They’re flying off the shelves as Australia grapples with record infection rates due to Omicron, but whether or not you need one is a different story.
One of the first signs of a worsening COVID-19 diagnosis is having low oxygen in the blood. In fact, some people can suffer from low oxygen without becoming short of breath or dizziness.
That’s when a pulse oximeter steps in.
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What is a pulse oximeter?
A peg-like device that clips to your finger, the oxygen monitor beams light through the finger to read the colour of your blood to determine levels.
“The oxygen transporters in blood reflect light differently depending on how much oxygen they contain,” the Therapeutic Goods Administration explains.Commonly used in GP clinics and hospitals, they’re becoming more popular in the homes as a way of monitoring the symptoms.
Do I need a pulse oximeter?
Just like a thermometer can come in handy for unwell family members, particularly the younger generation, a pulse oximeter will monitor a COVID patient’s health without clogging doctors’ waiting rooms and hospitals.
They can also we shared within the household, after a thorough clean with an antiseptic wipe.
We do, however, recommend you do seek the help of a health professional at your own discretion.
Can everyone use a pulse oximeter?
According to the TGA, no.
“Recent reports have highlighted that multiple factors, including skin pigmentation, can impact the accuracy of pulse oximeters,” the TGA can confirm.
“Over-reliance on pulse oximeters could lead to suboptimal management of patients whose oxygen levels are below normal. This risk is higher in persons with darker skin.”
A pulse oximeter can also give an inaccurate blood oxygen reading if the monitored area is obstructed by tattoos, nail polish or false fingernails.
Are all oxygen monitors created equal?
Again, the TGA says no.
“Remember that not all pulse oximeters are of the same quality and accuracy,” the health authority explains.
“One US study showed that some cheaper devices without regulatory approval sold to consumers were significantly less accurate than approved devices used in healthcare settings.”
Is there supply to meet demand?
We predict pulse oximeters will fly off the shelves, à la rapid antigen tests, however last month the Federal Government announced it would contribute $22.3 million to the National Medical Stockpile to secure supplies of pulse oximeters to assist patients recuperating in the community rather than hospital.
Thankfully, they’re not a one-time-use device, and as mentioned, can be shared amongst others in your household.
Their popularity builds as GPs plea with the Federal Government for Medicare to fund RATs and pulse oximeters, The Age reports, as health professionals struggle with the 000 crisis.
The other devices becoming more popular in the age of Covid
Of course we’re well aware of the demand for rapid antigen tests and now pulse oximeters, but there’s one more device starting to gain popularity. Residents are also now reaching for CO2 monitors in order to tell if the area they’re in is well ventilated, the ABCreports.
Humans breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. When in a room that has poor ventilation, that carbon dioxide accumulates. The thinking is that where carbon dioxide accumulates, so would Covid. Thus , by using the CO2 monitors, concerned citizens can made a decision whether or not they feel comfortable staying in that location for more than 15 minutes.
“Even if you’re physically distancing and washing hands, COVID transmits in the air, so we need to make sure we have good indoor air quality,” says Ms Cole, who is also president-elect of the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists told the ABC.
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