Graham-Field’s John Bunn DigiO2 Finger Pulse Oximeter

• By Elisha Bury
• Jan 01, 2008

For years now, diabetes educators have touted the power of glucose monitors to help people with diabetes manage their condition. So, it only makes sense that a similar device for oxygen users should make its way to the forefront.

Just as oxygen consumers are starting to become more involved in their health care and demand for oxygen monitoring is reaching full throttle, Graham-Field unleashes its affordable DigiO2 Finger Pulse Oximeter into the marketplace.

Like its diagnostic sister, the pulse oximeter tests through the patient’s finger, only it doesn’t require an invasive and painful finger prick for blood, and it measures oxygen saturation, not blood glucose.

“People are getting more conscientious about their body levels — cholesterol, blood pressure and now their breathing and O2 levels,” says Cynthia Colon, product manager. “Pulse oximetry is now used in clinics, hospitals, ERs and even home health settings more and more each day.”

The beauty of this device is its all-in-one design: housing flexibility for both adults and pediatric patients; a large, multi-directional LCD display that’s readable from any angle by the clinician or patient; and a combination sensor-monitor that measures pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), pulse rate value (PR) and blood perfusion index (PI). Simply put, Graham-Field has created a design clinicians will want to use.

“Clinical preference is gearing toward easy-to-access, easy-to-use and easy-to-transport,” Colon says. “This wireless device covers all of that. Clinicians are looking for something small and efficient that is easy for them to understand and record accurately. Clinicians are looking for the all-in-one systems, especially as they are moving so often and seeing so many patients in a day.”

Still, with the unit’s lightweight, one-button design, patients will find the DigiO2 handy around the house when they want to check their own oxygen levels.

The device, which became available this month, also features audible and visual alarms, automatic power on/off and a detailed user manual. The pulse oximeter runs on two AAA alkaline batteries and comes with a convenient lanyard and pouch. Plus, the DigiO2 is sleek in black and slightly shorter than the iPod Nano at 2.6 inches (vs. 3.6 inches).
Download a product sheet from Graham-Field’s Web site.

Then keep an eye on this product trend. Perhaps in the near future, pulse oximeters will come with the power to talk — that is if pulse oximeters follow in step with glucose monitors.

Graham-Field Health Products
2935 Northeast Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30360
(800) 347-5678
www.grahamfield.com   

This article originally appeared in the January 2008 issue of HME Business.