Many Indians buy oximeters, devices that stumble upon blood oxygen levels in users of the coronavirus pandemic, everywhere, such as pharmacies, online retail outlets, and even road vendors. Now, many Internet users place pencils in place of their hands to “report” some of those devices as a “scam”.
Oximeters generally use noninvasive strategies to monitor a person’s oxygen saturation. As COVID-19 is known to have an effect on a person’s lungs, many have started buying these devices recently.
Now, a clip circulates on Twitter in which a user tests an oximeter by first tapping a finger to get the readings of their oxygen point and pulse, then puts a pencil on the device, which shows precisely the same results.
After sharing the clip, many tweeps have videos that experiment with their own devices.
Sharing a photo of a camera, the tweep @IndurChhugani wrote: “Reports have appeared, that on the oximeter of the finger, if a pencil is inserted, the oximeter reads the oxygen point and pulse rate of the pen. I tried — it’s true.
@IndurChhugani also shared his opinion on the medical devices used in India: “My son was given this false oximeter for us, from a reputable supplier, who manufactures all these medical devices, to doctors and hospitals, from Bandra to Andheri. Terrifying.”
Reacting to an oximeter video with a pen inserted, Twitter user nut2406 posted: “According to the Oxymeter, this pen still doesn’t want to be hospitalized! Obviously it’s not an oximeter; it’s just a led demonstration programmed to give random readings between 80 and 99 percent. This can potentially lead to death. Don’t we want a certification authority for medical equipment? »
While the use of oxygen-level measuring devices is increasing, medical organizations like the American Lung Association recommend that other healthy people do not acquire pulse oximeters.
The organization posted on its website, lung.org, “Pulse oximeters are not otherwise advised for other healthy people. They are indicated for others with lung or central disease who get more oxygen to control and adjust prescribed oxygen therapy.”
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