Coronavirus: What is a pulse oximeter, and why is it now sought after?

News:Experts have advocated the use of a medical device called the ‘pulse oximeter’ for testing those who have the COVID19 or those suspected of having it.

Facts:

• Pulse oximeters:These are medical devices that monitor the level of oxygen in a patient’s blood and alert the health-care worker if oxygen levels drop below safe levels allowing rapid intervention.
• Significance: It can help identify a potentially deadly condition in Covid-19 patients called ‘Covid pneumonia’ sooner and more effectively and thus help save more lives.

Additional Facts:

• Pneumonia:It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.The air sacs may be filled with fluid or pus causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.A variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses and fungi can cause pneumonia.