What is the primary function of a pulse oximeter tester?

The primary function of a pulse oximeter tester is to stimulate patient conditions and test the accuracy and functionality of pulse oximeters. Pulse oximeters are essential devices used in clinical settings to non-invasively measure the oxygen saturation level in a patient's blood, as well as their pulse rate. However, before these devices can be confidently used on patients, it is critical to ensure they are functioning correctly and providing accurate readings.

A pulse oximeter tester simulates various conditions that the oximeter might encounter in a clinical environment. This includes altering factors like light interference, motion artifacts, and different blood oxygen saturation levels to evaluate how accurately and effectively the pulse oximeter can respond to these changes. This ensures that healthcare providers can rely on the device’s readings when making decisions regarding a patient’s care.

In contrast, options that focus on other functions, such as measuring blood pressure and heart rate or providing medication dosages, are not within the scope of what a pulse oximeter tester is designed to do. Similarly, analyzing ECG waveforms pertains to a different aspect of patient monitoring that is unrelated to the specific functionalities of pulse oximetry.