Tabletop Pulse Oximeters with separate sensors

This is the original methods of obtaining pulse oximetry measurements. A reusable sensor on the end of a length of cable is clipped onto the finger and the other end is plugged into a tabletop unit connected to a mains power supply close to the patient’s bedside.

The unit contains all the electronics, power supply and display screen and allows the oximeter to be used with different types of compatible sensor. This gives the user a choice of reusable or disposable sensors, as well as a choice of different sites including the earlobe, hand, foot, finger or toe.

There’s also a lot more room inside the unit which allows the manufacturers to incorporate other functions, such as audible alarms, data storage memory, personal computer compatible data output sockets and trickle charged back-up batteries. The latter function can be useful in case of a power cut or for occasional transport use, even up to a several hours. Power supplies are typically mains transformers that work with the internal trickle charge circuitry to prevent over-charging the back-up battery.