What device estimates arterial blood oxygen saturation noninvasively?

The pulse oximeter is the device that estimates arterial blood oxygen saturation noninvasively. This compact and easy-to-use device functions by shining light through a transparent area of the body, such as a fingertip or earlobe. Sensors in the pulse oximeter detect changes in light absorption as blood moves through the blood vessels, allowing it to calculate the saturation of oxygen in the hemoglobin.

This method of monitoring oxygen saturation is particularly advantageous because it does not require any invasive procedures, such as drawing blood from an artery. The pulse oximeter provides real-time data on a patient's oxygen levels, making it an essential tool in various clinical settings, particularly in respiratory care and during surgeries.

In contrast, a blood pressure cuff is designed specifically to measure blood pressure, not oxygen saturation. A thermometer is used to measure body temperature, while an echocardiogram is an imaging test that uses sound waves to visualize the heart's structures and assess its function. Each of these devices serves distinct purposes that do not relate to estimating arterial blood oxygen saturation.