Different pulse oximeters use different physical connectors for their finger probes or sensors. An adapter allows you to connect a probe from one manufacturer to a monitor/device from another.
Purpose:
To make equipment compatible and interchangeable, saving cost instead of buying a whole new system.
Examples：
- Nellcor to Masimo: A small cable that lets you use a Nellcor-style finger probe on a Masimo monitor.
- Generic to Branded: Connect a low-cost generic probe to a more expensive OEM monitor (e.g., Nonin, Philips).
- Pediatric to Adult: Convert a pediatric probe to fit a standard adult cable.
Crucial Point: Signal compatibility is NOT guaranteed. While the physical plug may fit, the electrical signals and communication protocols between the probe and monitor must match. Always verify with the adapter seller or manufacturer that the specific models you want to connect are compatible.
Other Types of “SpO2 Adapters”
- Bluetooth/Wireless Adapters: These take the SpO2 signal from a medical-grade monitor and transmit it wirelessly to a phone, tablet, or central monitoring system.
Example: The Masimo W1 Adapter clips onto compatible Masimo finger sensors and streams real-time data to an iPhone.
Use Case: Remote patient monitoring, fitness integration, or recording long-term trends on a personal device.
- USB/Serial Adapters
These allow a traditional wired pulse oximeter to connect to a computer or laptop for data logging.
Example: A cable that converts the RS-232 serial output of an older bedside monitor to a USB port to run data collection software.
- App/Software “Adapters” (API Integration)
In software, an “adapter” can be a piece of code that allows health/fitness apps to read data from various SpO2 devices.
Example: A fitness app that can pull SpO2 data from both a Garmin watch and a Samsung phone because it has built-in adapters for their respective APIs.
Key Considerations Before Buying a Physical Adapter
- Compatibility is King: Don’t just match the plug shape. Confirm the:
Device Model: Your specific monitor (e.g., Nonin 9500, Masimo Radical-7).
Probe Model: The specific sensor you want to connect (e.g., Nellcor DS-100A, Masimo LNCS Adtx).
- Signal Type: Ensure the adapter supports the correct signal (e.g., digital, analog).
- Intended Use: Is this for clinical/medical use or personal/wellness?
Clinical Use: You must use adapters that are verified and validated to maintain accuracy. Using unapproved adapters may violate regulations and put patients at risk. The monitor may also display an “unauthorized sensor” error.
Personal Use: For home sleep tracking or general wellness, you have more flexibility, but accuracy is still important.
- Regulatory Status: Medical-grade adapters should have appropriate clearance (e.g., FDA, CE).
Where to Find Them
- Medical Equipment Suppliers: Companies like Medtronic, Henry Schein, or Cardinal Health often sell OEM-approved adapters.
- Specialized Online Retailers: Sites like Soma Tech Intl , Pulse Oximeter Store, or LVO specialize in these parts.
- Marketplaces: eBay, Amazon (be especially careful to verify compatibility here).
Final Recommendation
To get the best help, define exactly what you want to connect to what.
Example: “I need an adapter to connect a Nellcor DS-100A finger probe to a Masimo Radical-7 monitor.
This specificity will lead you directly to the correct product.