Anyone that has visited a medical office, for a physical, understands that they are subjected to a battery of tests. From blood samples to blood pressure readings, a thorough physical leaves no stone unturned. Another test performed during a physical examination involves using a pulse oximeter to determine ones blood oxygen levels.

Most people are aware of the fact that a pulse oximeter is a small device which is clipped onto the end of a finger. Since the fingers are a translucent part of the human body, a pulse oximeter can provide accurate invasive oxygenation readings with no patient discomfort. While these are excellent medical devices, their use has grown well beyond the health care industry.

The aviation industry adopted the use of pulse oximeters early on. Because pilots often fly at altitudes which require pressurized cabins, the use of a pulse oximeter is an excellent device that can give airline manufacturers an accurate reading of how well pilots are protected at such elevations. Generally speaking, all aircraft flying above 12,000 feet in the United States require supplemental oxygen in their aircraft.

Airplane manufacturers also perform their own tests on pilots which are flying new or experimental aircraft. With such testing, airplane manufacturers are able to gauge precisely how much cabin pressure is required to meet the medical needs of both pilots and passengers. Before mass production of any aircraft is approved, engineers and medical professionals can make the necessary adjustments to see that FAA pilot safety standards are met in the aircraft which they are producing.

As one would expect, astronauts also use pulse oximeters. NASA, which pushes the envelope of science and technology, has always placed astronaut safety first. Utilizing a pulse oximeter, NASA medical professionals and engineers are able to collect valuable data that can make space travel safer.

Athletes also utilize pulse oximeters in their fitness training and while actively participating in some sports. For example, mountain climbers often strive to reach extremely high elevations. As mountain climbers ascend to higher altitudes, the amount of oxygen in the air is greatly diminished. This can weaken climbers and cause them to lose their breath rather quickly. With a pulse oximeter, mountain climbers can continually monitor their blood oxygen levels to make certain that they remain safe.

Just when you thought that you have seen it all, video game manufacturers have also adapted pulse oximeter technology for use in the video game market. Nintendo, the manufacturer of the Wii game console, utilizes pulse oximeter technology in their Vitality Sensor. As one would expect, this technology can take an ordinary video game and make it far more interactive by measuring both blood oxygen levels and heart rates.

Although just a few years ago global pulse oximeter related sales were just a couple hundred million dollars, the expanded use of this technology is anticipated to reach nearly three hundred million dollars next year. The rapid growth in pulse oximeter sales is being driven not only by the health care industry, but by others that have harnessed the ability of this technology to serve expanded purposes.

This author often writes about how pulse oximeter use is expanding beyond the health care industry. Although pulse oximeters are essential medical devices, this technology is now being used in the video entertainment sector.

This author often writes about how pulse oximeter use is expanding beyond the health care industry. Additional pulse oximeter resources are available at http://ipulseoximeter.com/

Author Bio: This author often writes about how pulse oximeter use is expanding beyond the health care industry. Although pulse oximeters are essential medical devices, this technology is now being used in the video entertainment sector.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: pulse oximeter,blood oxygen,heart rate,medical equipment,health