Final answer:
Pulse oximetry is a method used to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is done using a device called a pulse oximeter, which shines light through the finger to calculate the percentage of oxygen saturation. It is used in medical settings to monitor oxygen levels and also during exercise to assess athletic conditioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pulse oximetry is a method used to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. It is commonly done using a device called a pulse oximeter, which is usually placed on the fingertip. The pulse oximeter works by shining two different wavelengths of light through the finger and measuring the amount of light absorbed by the oxygenated hemoglobin.
Based on this measurement, the device calculates the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood. Normal readings range from 95-100 percent. Lower readings indicate hypoxemia or low blood oxygen levels. Pulse oximetry is widely used in medical settings to monitor the oxygen levels in patients, especially those who have respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
It is also used during exercise or physical activity to assess a person's athletic conditioning. By monitoring oxygen saturation, pulse oximetry can provide valuable information about a person's metabolism and the rate at which food energy is converted into energy for the body.