Pulsating politics over oxygen levels
Politics over pulse oximeters has hot up after Delhi CM and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal asked party volunteers to move in Punjab villages, to check oxygen saturation level. Punjab CM Capt Amarinder Singh hit back at Kejriwal, terming it a gimmick and a desperate attempt to gain lost ground.
Ravinder Vasudeva explains the role of an oximeter in the fight against Covid-19.
What is an oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a stapler-like device that you can put on your finger, ear lobe or big toe to check the level of oxygen in your body. It uses infrared light to calculate the amount of oxygen in the blood. Within seconds, it gives you the percentage of oxygen saturation in the body, a vital piece of information against covid-19.
Why is it an important tool against covid-19?
Punjab’s nodal officer for covid-19 Dr Rajesh Bhaskar says that maintaining oxygen level is the most important parameter during treatment against the infection. Oximeter is part of the kit that patients in home isolation are required to have to constantly check oxygen level. “Some positive patients may not realise that their oxygen level is going down. Covid patients are asked to monitor their saturation level and rush to a hospital, if their saturation level is below 95%,” Bhaskar added.
Is it advisable to use?
Experts say it is not advisable for commoners to check oxygen level of villagers, as it can create complacency or misinformation about the disease. “Keeping a record of oxygen saturation is good, but having normal oxygen saturation does not necessary mean that a patient is covid-19 negative.
How has Kejriwal government used oximeters?
The Kejriwal government in Delhi provides oximeters to all patients under home isolation. Patients have return it, once declared covid-19 negative. In Punjab, the patient has to buy an oximeter, but the instrument is available in all government facilities.
Is it an expensive tool?
Experts say a good quality oximeter is available in the market for around Rs 1,500. A good brand can be trusted to give your oxygen saturation level without any error. To get an accurate reading, make sure that the device is placed correctly.