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An Easy Guide to Pulse Oximeters

Oxygen is vital to system and organ function in our bodies. In order to be carried around the body, molecules of oxygen attach to the haemoglobin proteins in red blood cells. The amount of oxygen (measured as a %) in haemoglobin proteins is called ‘oxygen saturation’ and this percentage can be determined using pulse oximetry. The values from pulse oximetry are useful as they tell us how much oxygen is actually reaching the different organs and systems in the body. Pulse oximetry uses devices called pulse oximeters that attach to an area on the patient where blood flow can be measured (most commonly on the finger). Light is then shone through the skin it is positioned on and a detector on the other side measures the amount of light that makes it through. The amount of absorbed light is indicative of the oxygen concentration and as such, a pulse oximeter does not directly measure oxygen saturation but rather closely estimates it. Normal levels of oxygen saturation are between 95-100%
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A Guide to Blood Pressure Monitors

As your heart beats, it pumps blood throughout your body through blood vessels. The strength at which this blood pushes against blood vessel walls is your blood pressure.  When measuring blood pressure, you will always get two readings. The first is the systolic pressure i.e. the blood pressure while the heart is beating, and the other is the diastolic pressure which is measured while the heart is at rest, between beats. If blood pressure is too high (hypertension), there can be a lot of strain on your vessels as well as your heart, and this may lead to heart attacks and strokes. It is therefore very important to be able to monitor blood pressure, both in a clinical and an individual capacity. Monitoring blood pressure gives physicians a snapshot of their patient’s circulatory system and it is essential in prevention and diagnosis of diseases, as well as routine check-ups. There are three types of blood pressure monitors that can be used, namely, mercurial, aneroid, and digital. Th
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Spirometers, Peak Flow Meters, and Lung Function

A spirometer is a device that is used to test lung function by measuring air inhalation and exhalation. This kind of testing is invaluable in, among other things, disease screening, health examinations, and epidemiological investigation. The three most common tests in spirometry (mentioned above) are the FVC test, the VC test, and the MVV test. Looking first at FVC, this test focuses on forced exhalation and inhalation and measures the changes in the volume and flow of breath under these conditions. This is one of the most important measures in distinguishing between conditions of the lungs. VC testing then measures these changes in a relaxed state i.e. the subject need not force either inhalation or exhalation, but rather try and breathe normally. The aim of this testing is to reflect the potential capacity of the respiratory function. Lastly, MVV testing is a load test that measures the amount of ventilation obtained by repeating maximum voluntary effor
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A Guide to the Charder MA601 Body Composition Analyzer

Charder has come out with a new Body Composition Analyzer, the MA601 , which is specifically targeted towards the fitness and health community. This new device aims to track the quality and effectiveness of both fitness and weight management programs.  Imagine getting a complete analysis of your body in just a few seconds! This new, high-end technology will enable gyms, dieticians, fitness instructors and healthcare professionals to accurately view their client's body composition and then use this information to plan and measure their treatment programmes. Body composition analysis is a method used to determine the make-up of one’s body i.e. the proportions of body fat, muscle, proteins, minerals and water at one moment. This information, when taken in intervals, can be used to show changes in fat mass, body mass, and body fat percentage. Information like this can help bolster patient care, personal fitness, as well as corporate wellness. It is also gives a more accurate repr
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2019 Africa Health Expo

This week Nicolas, Sheila and Andre represented SA Healthcare at the 2019 Africa Health Expo in Johannesburg. As Africa’s leading medical expo, Africa Health showcases the latest advances in healthcare products, healthcare services, and innovation, with hundreds of companies and medical professionals in attendance. This year, SA Healthcare , one of the biggest medical wholesalers in South Africa, implemented a new synergistic strategy with their suppliers. By integrating their company with their trusted agencies, a new, dynamic stand was created that showcased a wide range of quality products and brands. Contec , Charder Medical , Ca-Mi , Aeonmed , CU Medical , Well.D , Pukang , and Kelly Med were all represented together by SA Healthcare, and their products were exposed to an extensive audience. This new approach made for SA Healthcare’s most successful year at Africa Health in the company’s history! There was an intense interest in the new scale body composition scale
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The Aeonmed Integrated Operation System

Mobile Integrated Operation Systems mean maximising and utilising space in the operating theatre. These systems also adapt well to a range of different environments, including modern clinics, field use, rescues, township hospitals, mountainous areas and many other challenging environments. This particular holistic medical system, the Aeonmed Integrated Operating System includes: A surgical bed Shadowless lamp Anaesthesia machine Sputum elimination machine High frequency electric knife Surgical washing equipment OP750 Surgical Bed – This bed is suitable for a range of different surgeries and meets the demand of different operative postures Eump500D Syringe Pump – Compact, lightweight design EN-S7 Infusion Pump – Colour touch screen, waterproof and an infrared transmission Strong Aluminium Alloy Frame – Corrosion, oxidation and vibration resistance T-Guide – Flexible and compatible with a range of surgical accessories HD Camera – Real-time
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The Proper Application and Removal of ECG Electrodes

We often have ECG machines sent to us for checking as the users state that the machine is not reading properly. When we test them, we find out there is nothing wrong.  There are many reasons for this issue. A common problem is that the paper is inserted incorrectly, and another problem is the skin of the patients is not being prepared properly. The skin should NOT be cleaned with an alcohol swab before applying the electrode as the alcohol is drying and will prevent good conductivity through the electrode. Here is a step by step guide on how to apply the electrodes 1. Clean & prepare the skin All application sites need to be clean, dry and free of lotions. The site always needs to be washed with soap and water and then dried before placing the electrodes. Using alcohol should be avoided as it can dry out the skin, increasing skin impedance and trace artifacts. If needed, any excessive hair should be removed at the placement site. 2. Apply the electrodes First the l
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