Bioengineering

Biosensor 2 

Oxygen Saturation Monitor (O2 Sat Monitor)

An O2 sat monitor is a device that works through pulse oximetry and is used to calculate the percent of oxygen in hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in a red blood cell that carries oxygen to the body. Oxygen saturation is the amount of oxygen in hemoglobin.

The way this device works is with sensors which are composed of a light source and a detector.The device is placed usually on the pointer finger. A red wavelength of light is first sent. The light is received by tissues of the finger and absorbed by hemoglobin. The light is then transferred to the detector. The oxygen saturation levels are calculated through the amount of light that was absorbed and transmitted by hemoglobin. The results are then shown on a monitor.

This biosensor is helpful for patients under general anesthesia or under any kind of care. It is used to monitor the amount of oxygen that the person is receiving and if the amount is too low the person can either be given an oxygen mask or be intubated. It is also helpful for those who want to monitor their O2 levels while they are exercising. New technologies such as a portable monitor can be used for that purpose.

Normal oxygen saturation levels: 97% -99%

When oxygen saturation levels are lower than 90%, body cells will not be recieving enough oxygen. It can also lead to resiratory failure.

Works Cited

Information on O2 saturation and pulse oximetry 

Information on use for exercise

Information on ranges

http://www.favoriteplus.com/oxygen-saturation.php

Pictures

http://www.quirumed.com/data/images/productos/tlarge/pulsioximetro_portatil_de_dedo_control_de_pulso_y_saturacion_de_oxigeno_con_pantalla_lcd_y_onda_plestimografica_13039_1607.jpeg