A Cost-Effective Pulse Oximeter Designed in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Issue 1 (21st January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Metcalfe, Benjamin; Iravani, Pejman; Graham-Harper-Cater, Jonathan; Bowman, Richard; Stirling, Julian; Wilson, Peter
• Is Part Of: Journal of open hardware. Volume 5:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-01-21
• Subjects: pulse oximetry -- optical measurement -- medical devices; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Periodicals; Scientific apparatus and instruments -- Design and construction -- Periodicals; 502.84
• DOI: 10.5334/joh.26
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2514-1708

Abstract

This paper introduces the design of a small and cost-effective optical pulse oximeter, including a finger clip, sensor readout electronics, and associated firmware. The device is based on widely-available commercial optical sensors that are designed for the wearables market and measure the reflection of different wavelengths of light. This design was produced in response to a request from the Royal United Hospital in Bath UK, in light of the severe shortage of clinical pulse oximeters during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Products based on this design have not been submitted for medical device approval; the design documents here should be considered purely for research, educational and development purposes.