We need oxygen to survive. This isn’t news, but as COVID-19 continues to evolve, oxygen has become an important topic. With COVID-19, oxygen levels can drop suddenly, and extra oxygen may be needed. But thanks to pulse oximeters and oxygen delivery systems like tanks and concentrators, getting COVID-19 patients the oxygen they need is a little easier.
What Is a Pulse Oximeter?
Similar to blood pressure or body temperature, oxygen levels are an important sign of how well a body is working. One way to check oxygen levels is by using a pulse oximeter. Used in hospitals, clinics and at-home care, a pulse oximeter measures how much oxygen is in someone’s blood. And while a pulse oximeter should not be used to determine if a patient has COVID-19, it can be a great way to watch over their health and regulate care.
A normal level of oxygen is usually 95% or higher, but if the percentage goes lower, extra oxygen may be needed. Pulse oximeters provide up-to-date information on this percentage, which is crucial because not receiving enough oxygen can lead to permanent damage of the heart, brain and other organs. A low reading on a pulse oximeter may be accompanied by feeling short of breath, breathing faster than usual or feeling too sick to go about one’s daily activities. Other signs of low oxygen levels include:
- Bluish coloring in the face, lips or nails
- Difficulty in breathing
- A cough that gets worse
- Restlessness and discomfort
- Chest pain or tightness
- Fast/racing pulse rate
However, since someone with low oxygen levels may not show any or all of these symptoms, only a healthcare provider should diagnose low oxygen levels (hypoxia).
Low Oxygen Solutions
Once a patient has been diagnosed with low oxygen, whether from COVID-19 or other medical issues, the next step is getting them extra oxygen. Oxygen concentrators and oxygen tanks offer flexible ways to provide oxygen to patients in need, letting them recover quicker and feel better sooner.
Oxygen Tanks
Containing medical-grade pressurized oxygen, these metal tanks use a nasal cannula or oxygen mask to deliver oxygen directly into the patient’s nose. They are typically mounted on a trolley or other device that allows them to be easily transported, whether at home or at the hospital. With no power required, oxygen tanks provide oxygen at customizable levels, ensuring continuous, clean care to the patient.
Oxygen Concentrators
Similar to oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators dispense oxygen to the patient via the nasal cannula or oxygen masks. Concentrators collect oxygen from the surrounding air, remove the nitrogen and then deliver it to the patient, removing the need for replacements or refills. This process allows the patient to have access to a prescribed level of oxygen at all times, from the hospital to the home. However, oxygen concentrators cannot always guarantee medical-grade oxygen delivery, with a purity of about 90%.
It’s important to note that both of these are medical devices and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider, since receiving too much oxygen can lead to serious health problems.
In the fight against COVID-19, tools like the pulse oximeter and oxygen tanks are giving medical professionals more ways to help their patients find relief. If you’re a medical professional looking to grow your offerings and help your patients, let CalOx help. At CalOx, we’re built to deliver medical oxygen to businesses including medical clinics and hospitals around Southern California. From FDA certification to storage and handling requirements, CalOx is dedicated to making medical oxygen delivery simple and dependable for our customers. Contact us today for your free quote!
Sources:
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/pulseoximeter.html
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/pulse-oximeters-and-oxygen-concentrators-what-know-about-home-oxygen-therapy
https://www.webmd.com/lung/oxygen-concentrator-what-is