Biomedical Engineering Letters 2019;9(1):21-36

doi:10.1007/s13534-019-00097-w

Current progress of photoplethysmography and SPO 2 for health monitoring

Toshiyo TAMURA 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Photoplethysmograph (PPG); Pulse rate; Transmitted light; Refl ected light; RGB image; Respiratory rate; Motion artifact

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

English

Abstract

A photoplethysmograph (PPG) is a simple medical device for monitoring blood fl ow and transportation of substances in the blood. It consists of a light source and a photodetector for measuring transmitted and refl ected light signals. Clinically, PPGs are used to monitor the pulse rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and blood vessel stiff ness. Wearable unobtrusive PPG monitors are commercially available. Here, we review the principle issues and clinical applications of PPG for monitoring oxygen saturation.