Oximeter Oasis: Navigating the Best Pulse Oximeters in India for 2023
Oximeters are in huge demand in India, as they can help diagnose early signs of the COVID-19 virus. They are becoming part of every Indian household. Probably it’s time to take a leap and buy a pulse oximeter for you and your family as well.
India was in a grave situation during the pandemic. It was accounting for nearly half of the World’s COVID cases. The second wave of the deadly coronavirus had crippled the country. This tragedy made people aware of prioritizing their health. In this article, we are going to get comprehensive information on pulse oximeters, what exactly is this little device, how it works, what is a good pulse and what are the best pulse oximeters in India in the year 2023.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures oxygen saturation levels. In simpler words, it quickly and easily monitors the level of oxygen in your blood. More specifically, an oximeter measures the oxygen in pulsating blood. We term the measurements as SpO2. A typical oximeter also measures your heart rate as well.
A pulse oximeter is small in size and is designed like a clip. For running the test, it is usually put on the finger but can be attached to the toe or earlobes as well.
What is Oxygen Saturation?
Hemoglobin is a protein in our red blood cells, that carries oxygen from the lungs to various other body organs and tissues. It is also responsible for carrying carbon dioxide from these organs, back to the lungs.
The hemoglobin molecule that carries the oxygen molecule is called oxygenated hemoglobin while the hemoglobin molecule that has no attached oxygen molecule is called deoxygenated hemoglobin.
So simply put, the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin available in your blood is called oxygen saturation.
How does Pulse Oximeter Work?
A pulse oximeter consists of two parts.
- Two LED’S (Light Emitting Diodes)
- Photodetector
One of the LEDs is red-colored with a wavelength of 660 nm. The other LED is infrared with a wavelength of 940 nm.
The absorption of these wavelengths significantly differs between the oxygenated hemoglobin molecules and the deoxygenated hemoglobin molecules. The oxygenated hemoglobin molecules absorb more infrared light while allowing the red light to pass through. On the other hand, the deoxygenated hemoglobin molecules absorb more red light while allowing infrared light to pass through.
The finger is placed between the two components. The light is emitted from the oximeter’s LEDs, which partially goes through the finger and leaves the print on the photodetector.
The photodetector processes the received information and calculates the ratio of the red light measurements to the infrared light measurements. This ratio is then converted to Sp02, by the processor via calculations based on Beer-Lambert Law.
Oximeter Results
What to make of your SpO2 results? How do we evaluate the oximeter readings? Let’s have a look.
- If your oximeter measures your Sp02 reading levels between 95% to 100%, it is considered NORMAL.
- If the oximeter measures your SpO2 reading level between 91% to 94%, it is considered to be a case of MILD HYPOXEMIA.
- In case your oximeter gives the SpO2 reading level between 86% to 90%, it is considered as MODERATE HYPOXEMIA.
- Lastly, if your oximeter gives you a reading of less than 85%, it is considered as SEVERE HYPOXEMIA.
Things To Consider:
- While running the test, try to keep your finger, stable. Too much movement can produce inaccurate results.
- Cosmetics like nail polish can affect the readings as well. Try to run the test on a clean finger for much more accurate readings.
- Cold hands or poor blood circulation can also give you false readings.
What Is A Good Resting Heart Rate?
A healthy pulse rate is one that falls within the normal range, which varies depending on an individual’s age, level of physical activity, and general health. Adults’ healthy resting pulse rates typically range from 60 to 100 beats per minute. However, it’s important to understand that what is perceived as a normal pulse rate can vary depending on a variety of different factors, so it’s always better to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a single pulse reading can not accurately reflect a person’s state of health because the pulse might change depending on a variety of things, such as stress, physical activity, and medication. Before reaching a conclusion regarding the condition of a patient’s pulse, a doctor will frequently take several readings and take into account the patient’s overall health and medical history.
Benefits Of A Pulse Oximeter
A pulse oximeter, traditionally, was found only in hospitals. But during this pandemic, it has become a necessity for every household. A quick diagnosis with the device can help patients get proper and timely medical assistance. It has various other benefits, such as:
- To monitor the oxygen saturation of a vulnerable patient, over a period of time.
- It determines if a patient with asthma needs any assistance with breathing.
- For monitoring blood oxygen levels for people under anesthesia.
- To determine if a ventilator or oxygen therapy is improving the patient’s oxygen levels or not.
- Various athletes and sportspeople use the readings to monitor their oxygen levels while increasing physical and training exercises.
- To offer peace of mind to people suffering from respiratory or cardiovascular problems.
- To monitor the oxygen saturation levels at night time for someone suspected to have sleep apnea.
Medical Conditions That Require Oximeter
If you or someone in your family suffer from any of the following medical ailments, it is advisable to keep an oximeter handy.
- Asthma
- ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome)
- Anemia
- Congenital Heart Defects
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Pneumonia
- Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung)
- Lung Disease
- Sleep Apnea
Best Pulse Oximeters in India (As of July 2023)
Hesley Pulse Oximeter
Dr. Trust (Signature Series) Oximeter
BPL Smart Oxy Pulse Oximeter
Vandelay Pulse Oximeter
Mievida Pulse Oximeter
Dr. Vaku Swadesi Pulse Oximeter
Note: You might be able to find a few pulse oximeters that range from meager INR499 to INR 1499. Yes, they are cheap, but, remember, you get what you pay for. They are usually pretty generic, made of low-grade components, and have serious reliability issues. They do not stand the test of time and they are usually non-refundable and impossible to get support for. So, it is advisable that you shell out a little extra, but buy a product from a popular brand such as the above-mentioned.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I try to provide an ad-free experience on the website, and believe it or not, these commissions help me support my growing family. So thank you!
Conclusion
This concludes our list of the best pulse oximeters in India. I bought an oximeter of Hesley as well as that of Dr. Trust. I don’t see much difference between the two. Both have been performing perfectly for me. Keeping a check on some aspects of my health has never been this easy. I will recommend any of these oximeters, but I do recommend that you perform a little of your own research as well. End of the day, they all do the same basic job of providing Sp02 levels and heart rate levels. So, go for the best.
Do let me know, which oximeter you prefer from the list and why. Also, feel free to contact me in case you need assistance with your purchase decision.
Keep yourself cool this summer. Check out our comprehensive guide and the list of the best 1.5-ton air conditioners in India.
May I also recommend that you read some important articles on health like “Foods that aid in Weight Loss” and “Why you should include Beetroot in your diet?”
Stay safe and stay healthy!
