Stand-alone pulse oximeters Stand-alone pulse oximeters are placed on desks or bedside tables and connect to the finger sensor with wires. They usually come with full features and multiple screens for displaying saturation, pulse rate, breathing rate, and other vital statistics. They are designed for long-term use and continuous monitoring, particularly in patients with chronic or critical conditions. Handheld pulse oximeters Handheld pulse oximeters have smaller control boxes and generally fewer features than stand-alone models. They are designed for portability and quick operation, making them ideal for occasional use and spot checking. Some models come with table stands or docks that allow them to be used for bedside monitoring. Pocket PC-based pulse oximeters Pocket PC-based pulse oximeters connect to a Pocket PC, where results can be transferred, printed, or saved for future reference. They are small enough to fit into the pocket, but are usually limited to spot checking. They usually include or require a specialized program to facilitate transfers and organize data. |