Pulse oximeters are an essential tool for quickly measuring blood oxygen levels non-invasively. Monitoring blood oxygenation helps identify unhealthy oxygen saturation in the blood. Low measurements are the first indicator that someone needs medical attention due to reduced oxygen levels.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a small device that is usually placed on the fingertip. It uses infrared light to measure blood oxygen levels and is also often found in healthcare and other clinical settings. In some instances, athletes also use them to monitor performance.
What Does a Pulse Oximeter Do?
A pulse oximeter measures how well the heart is pumping blood throughout the body. People with health conditions such as asthma or COPD may have lower blood oxygen levels and may need to measure levels regularly. Typically, people with respiratory conditions and heart conditions may need to keep a pulse oximeter handy.Â
How to Read a Pulse Oximeter
Most pulse oximeters display your oxygen saturation level and your pulse rate. They may also show a pulse bar graph. To best understand the numbers on display, use the graph below to know healthy blood oxygen levels.
| 95-100% SpO2 | Normal |
| 91-95% SpO2 | Concerning |
| >90% SpO2 | Low |
| 80-85% SpO2 | Point when low levels may affect your brain |
| 67% SpO2 | Critically low levels |
How Accurate are Pulse Oximeters?
Pulse oximeters cleared by the FDA often fall within a 2-3% range of accuracy. However, several real-world factors can affect the readings of the device. These include, but are not limited to:
- Nail Polish
- Skin Pigmentation
- Tobacco Use
- Skin Temperature
How Much Does a Pulse Oximeter Cost?
Pulse oximeters are reasonably priced. They range in cost from $34.00 to $53.00 depending on design, portability, and additional features.
Is It Safe to Buy a Pulse Oximeter Online?
You can find a variety of pulse oximeters that are safe for purchase online. Reputable brands can be found at the Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Call 888-941-1688 or also email contact@oxygenconcentratorsupplies.com today.
Pulse oximeters are an essential tool for quickly measuring blood oxygen levels non-invasively. Monitoring blood oxygenation helps identify unhealthy oxygen saturation in the blood. Low measurements are the first indicator that someone needs medical attention due to reduced oxygen levels.
What Is A Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a small device that is usually placed on the fingertip. It uses infrared light to measure blood oxygen levels and is also often found in healthcare and other clinical settings. In some instances, athletes also use them to monitor performance.
A pulse oximeter is similar to a clip-like design, and can also be called a "probe". As stated, it is placed usually on a fingertip to measure a person's blood oxygen level. A pulse oximeter works by having the probe use light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. This information will help a doctor determine if someone is in need of supplemental oxygen.
What are the Different Types of Pulse Oximeters?
Fingertip oximeters clip onto the finger to measure oxygen saturation. A cold light source shines light through the fingertip. Evaluating the light as it passes through the fingertip, the oximeter can measure the percentage of oxygen in red blood cells.
Handheld pulse oximeters can be placed on other locations than fingertips. Using the same technology as fingertip oximeters they can measure oxygen levels in blood.
Wrist-worn oximeters offer a portable and wearable version of monitoring technology. Ideal for mountain climbers or high-performance athletes, the device provides immediate oxygen level readings from a display worn on the wrist.
What is a Fingertip Pulse Oximeter?
A fingertip pulse oximeter is a small device that is usually placed on the fingertip. It uses infrared light to measure blood oxygen levels and is also often found in healthcare and other clinical settings. In some instances, athletes also use them to monitor performance.
What Does a Pulse Oximeter Do?
A pulse oximeter measures how well the heart is pumping blood throughout the body. People with health conditions such as asthma or COPD may have lower blood oxygen levels and may need to measure levels regularly. Typically, people with respiratory conditions and heart conditions may need to keep a pulse oximeter handy.
Because oxygen saturates in the blood, oximeters provide an efficient method for determining how much oxygen is present in the blood. These measurements can also determine problems with lung function and breathing rates.
How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work?
A pulse oximeter emits two different wavelengths of light to measure oxygen saturation. It calculates oxygen saturation by comparing the differences in absorption between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin. The device typically clips onto a fingertip and uses photodetectors to measure the light absorption, providing a numerical value of oxygen saturation.
What is Considered a Normal Reading on a Pulse Oximeter?
A normal reading on a pulse oximeter typically ranges between 95% to 100%. For individuals with certain health conditions, a normal reading might be slightly lower, around 92% to 95%. Factors such as altitude and activity level can also affect normal readings as they can affect blood oxygen saturation.
How to Read a Pulse Oximeter
Most pulse oximeters display your oxygen saturation level and your pulse rate. They may also show a pulse bar graph. To best understand the numbers on display, use the graph below to know healthy blood oxygen levels.
| 95-100% SpO2 | Normal |
| 91-95% SpO2 | Potentially Concerning |
| >90% SpO2 | Low |
| 80-85% SpO2 | Low enough to affect the brain |
| 67% SpO2 | Critically low levels |
Does the Finger I Choose Affect the Results?
The finger you choose can affect the results. Factors such as strength, dexterity, and coordination vary between fingers which can produce varied results. Thicker fingers can have different blood flow and may not be as accurate. The middle or index finger is the preferred finger for accurate readings. The index finger has adequate blood flow and provides the best thickness near the tip for accurate results.
How Accurate are Pulse Oximeters?
Pulse oximeters cleared by the FDA often fall within a 2-3% range of accuracy. However, several real-world factors can affect the readings of the device. These include, but are not limited to:
- Nail Polish. Some colors of nail polish can affect the performance of the light passing through the finger for detection. Choose fingers with no nail polish or remove nail polish before taking a reading.
- Skin Pigmentation. A darker skin tone can also affect the light source and throw off results. Take skin tone into consideration when interpreting results.
- Tobacco Use. Smoking can produce lower blood oxygen levels, resulting in more reading errors. Taking tobacco use into consideration when interpreting results.
- Skin Temperature. Cooler skin temperatures can also result in inaccuracies because of restricted circulation. Warm your skin before taking a reading.
Do Long Nails or Nail Polish Make a Difference?
Longer fingernails should not influence the results of a pulse oximeter. However, nail polish, depending on the color can affect results. Try to take readings on a finger without nail polish.
How Does Bright Light Make a Difference?
Light in the room does not affect the performance of a pulse oximeter. While pulse oximeter technology relies on light to measure oxygen in the blood, it occurs on the surface of the skin. The ambient light in the room is not a factor.
Does a Cold Hand or Poor Blood Circulation Make A Difference?
Colder hands or poor circulation can both affect the outcomes of a pulse oximeter reading. Cold hands are due to limited blood flow in the extremities and can lead to inaccurate results. On-going conditions such as poor circulation can also affect results. It is best the warm the hands, especially the finger being tested to ensure an accurate reading.
Can Smoking Make a Difference in Pulse Oximeter Readings
Smoking can restrict blood vessels which results in poor circulation and can lead to decreased oxygen saturation levels in the blood. This can affect the outcome of a pulse oximeter measurement. Carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke can bind to hemoglobin, reducing its ability to carry oxygen. Home measurements using a pulse oximeter may not be accurate and the results should be discussed with a doctor that knows about your tobacco use.
Is it Risky to Use a Pulse Oximeter at Home?
While pulse oximeters are an easy way to measure blood oxygen at home, there are factors which can result in less than accurate results. If you continuously check your blood oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter you may get varied results which can leave you more stressed than necessary over your health. So many factors during a home test can affect your reading that is should be not seen as medically accurate without a doctor’s supervision.
Home pulse oximeters are a good way to check your range of blood oxygen level. Small incremental changes are less significant. Shifts in range however can be a reason for consulting with your doctor.
What are the Signs that You Should Contact a Healthcare Specialist?
If you find that your pulse oximeter readings are consistently on the high range over several days, then you should speak to your doctor. Make sure you rule out any risk factors for inaccuracy including the temperature of your hands or inaccurate placement of the device.
Proper use of a pulse oximeter and knowing the potential factors for false readings is important when self-testing.
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter
- Make sure you are well-rested before taking this measurement.
- Remove any nail polish or fake nails you may have on your fingers.
- Turn on the oximeter and place it on your middle finger.
- Keep the oximeter in place for at least 1 minute to get a proper measurement.
How Much Does a Pulse Oximeter Cost?
Pulse oximeters are reasonably priced. They range in cost from $19.00 to $89.00 depending on design, portability, and additional features.
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Roscoe Fingertip Pulse OximeterSpecial Price $21.99 Regular Price $43.99Temporary price reductionSave 50% -
Drive Pulse OximeterSpecial Price $49.00 Regular Price $59.00Temporary price reductionSave 17% -
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Is It Safe To Buy A Pulse Oximeter Online?
You can find a variety of pulse oximeters that are safe for purchase online. Reputable brands can be found at the Oxygen Concentrator Supplies Shop. Call our expert staff at 888-941-1688 if you have any questions!
