In the process of breathing, the human lungs perform the function of gas exchange, saturating the circulatory system with oxygen.
Oxygen is known to be transported to tissues as part of the iron-containing protein hemoglobin. By attaching oxygen molecules from the lungs to itself, hemoglobin is converted into oxyhemoglobin.
A small percentage of protein that has no time to combine with oxygen and is essentially useless for us is called deoxyhemoglobin.
In a healthy person, the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin should be in the range of 95-99. In diseases of the lungs, the function of gas exchange is impaired, and the degree of oxygen saturation of the blood decreases.
Today I decided to figure out how great the saturation measurement of smartphone applications are.
To do this, I took a popular heart rate app from the App Store: Oxicare.
I figured out the system of its work and compared the readings with the modern and accurate Wellue O2 ring.
Table of Contents
Oxicare Pulse Oximeter, Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Or Pulse Oximeter App?
As you know, a drop in the level of oxygen in the blood is one of the typical symptoms of most diseases associated with lung damage.
Today I will tell you how not to miss a dangerous disease by monitoring the level of saturation at home using a smartphone application Oxicare Pulse Oximeter...
So, let’s get started…
First of all, What is an OxiCare Pulse Oximeter?
Measuring the level of oxygen in the blood is a feature available for some smartphones, which until recently seemed practically useless to us, is becoming more than in demand in the current realities of the pandemic.
You can monitor the level of oxygen in the blood at home using both portable OxiCare pulse oximeters and smartphone application OxyCare which is equipped with an SpO2 sensor.
What is an OxiCare Finger Pulse Oximeter?
OxiCare is a fingertip pulse oximeter that uses the latest technology for measuring oxygen .
Usually Fingertips measures the levels of oxygen for 30-40 sec. This pulse oximeter measures saturation in just 8 seconds.
It can detect the saturation from 70% to 99% figures. It is pretty accurate, but has a tiny infelicity +-2 .
What I like about this pulse oximeter is that it is pretty easy to use and it has a multi direction display .This pulse oximeter gives you 4 directions and 6 modes to allow you to view your results in any direction so that you can get access to your data with ease and convenience.
There is also a smart alarm that indicates when your oxygen level and heart rate drops. The Alarm will notify you via warning sounds.
It has an Perfusion index (PI)– This measurement informs you of the strength of the pulse and assesses peripheral perfusion dynamics due to changes in peripheral vascular tone.
The Oxicare pulse oximeter is easily fixed with a finger sensor. No electrical connection required and battery operated. The display can show a curve about changes in heart rate or saturation. This is very convenient for professionals. The brightness is adjusted according to the ambient light and viewing angle. Battery saving is ensured by switching off after the sensor is disconnected.
The OxiCare pulse oximeter is very compact and easy to use at home. In this case, you can observe important indicators:
- SpO2;
- Heart rate.
Based on these data, it is possible to build graphs for visual observation of the state of health. Measurement of these characteristics is important not only for sick people, but also for healthy people.
From my personal point of view, this Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is unique. It is not like other fingertip pulse oximeters. And here’s why: The OxiCare readings are very accurate, which is the same level as that popular WellueO2 ring brand. I like it because it allows me to view my results in any direction.
So I can take them with me when I travel. I like that it Fits every finger size, mine, my husband’s too. I like that it is FDA approved.
What is the OxiCare Finger Pulse App?
The principle of measuring saturation in a Oxicare finger app is almost the same as that of a pulse oximeter. But since it is technically impossible to place a photo sensor on the opposite side from the LEDs in smartphones and fitness bracelets, it is placed in close proximity to the LEDs, and the light reflected from the tissues (most often from the bones) is used to read the data.
Of course, not all smartphones today have a built-in SpO2 sensor and can work with Oxicare App.
For example, many flagships Samsung Galaxy Note 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 and iPhone of the latest generations can measure the level of oxygen in the blood. The main condition is the presence of red and infrared LEDs, as well as the SpO2 photosensor.
Many fitness bracelets have a green LED, which is only suitable for measuring heart rate. Keep in mind that it is not suitable for measuring oxygen levels.
How to Measure Blood Oxygen Levels in OxiCare?
To measure your blood saturation using your smartphone, open the Samsung Health app or download OxiCare application.
Open the app and Press the Measure button, put your finger on the sensor(camera).
SpO2 measurement is on the back of the smartphone and waits for the measurement result.
It should be noted that the level of illumination in the room and the temperature of the fingers can affect the accuracy of the measurement. Also, it is not recommended to move during the measurement.
After the process is completed, the result will automatically be displayed in the application.
How accurate are the measurements of Oxicare?
Under ideal conditions, the measurement accuracy of Oxicare application is not different from the readings of the Wellue O2 ring.
But achieving “ideal conditions” is very difficult.
For example, while jogging on a treadmill in the gym, I have never managed to do this.
First, do not press your finger too hard. In this case, the blood circulation in it is disturbed, and the measurements will be inaccurate.
Secondly, if you do decide to use your iPad without a flash, ambient light will greatly affect metering accuracy.
Thirdly, you can’t move at all during the measurement, otherwise there will be no measurement accuracy.
Fourthly, in the cold it is almost impossible to measure the pulse using the smartphone. Fingers immediately freeze, and the Oxicare app shows the pulse incorrectly.
Wellue O2 ring in each of the cases, as expected, does not stop working constantly.
The Features of of Oxicare
- The possibility to Create multiple profiles. You can create profiles for your relatives and friends. This simply simplifies the use of the application, because you will not need to think about what result was exactly yours. Each result is stored in each profile, of course, do not forget to switch between them.
- Saving results. After each measurement, the program automatically saves your results to your profile. So you can perfectly observe the dynamics.
- Simple and clear design.
- Supports the operating system for smart watches and other portable devices – Android Wear. Measure your heart rate with a sensor right on your Smartwatch.
My Personal Experience of OxiCare
After a few days of using this application, I can confidently say that it really works. And even that is weird.
In ideal home conditions, they measure the pulse accurately enough. But Oxicare is not suitable for sports. Here you need a sport pulse oximeters, read it Here.
None of the applications for measuring heart rate can be considered a full-fledged medical device. However, they can show approximate values at rest, so you can understand whether you have it high or low.
In this case, you can take appropriate measures – take medication or consult a doctor. And the last priority.
As a result, heart rate monitor Oxicare is longer for sports, but for medical purposes. It is even strange that the developers position them the other way around.
Conclusion :
Fingertip Pulse Oximeter or Mobile App?
As practice shows, it is really possible to trust SpO2 sensors in smartphones and the accuracy of such data is close to that of medical devices. Timely diagnosis using gadgets will help you go to the hospital in time and avoid possible complications.
However, do not forget that only a medical pulse oximeter is able to signal when the saturation drops in continuous mode.
Applications, on the other hand, are capable of making only one-time measurements, therefore they are more suitable for measuring oxygen in the blood during intense exercise for athletes and people involved in mountaineering.
FAQ
Is a Smart Phone oximeter accurate?
As practice shows, it is really possible to trust SpO2 sensors in smartphones and the accuracy of such data is close to that of medical devices.
Timely diagnosis using gadgets will help you go to the hospital in time and avoid possible complications.
Which phones have SpO2?
Many flagships Samsung Galaxy Note 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, Samsung Galaxy S6, S7, S8, S9, S10 and iPhone of the latest generations can measure the level of oxygen in the blood.
The main condition is the presence of red and infrared LEDs, as well as the SpO2 photosensor.
How do I use my Samsung pulse oximeter?
Open the app and Press the Measure button, put your finger on the sensor(camera).
SpO2 measurement is on the back of the smartphone and waits for the measurement result.
It should be noted that the level of illumination in the room and the temperature of the fingers can affect the accuracy of the measurement. Also, it is not recommended to move during the measurement.
After the process is completed, the result will automatically be displayed in the application.
How accurate is the fingertip Oxicare Pulse Oximeter ?
The OxiCare readings are very accurate +-2, which is the same level as the popular WellueO2 ring brand.
