Pulse oximeters are useful for people who have conditions that affect oxygen saturation. For example, a sleep specialist might recommend a pulse oximeter to monitor the level of oxygen saturation during the night for someone with suspected sleep apnea or severe snoring.
The pulse oximeter observes a rapid measurement of oxygen saturation level in your body without using needles or taking a blood sample.
The measured amount shown on the screen reflects the saturation of your red blood cells with oxygen.
This number gives your doctors and nurses an idea of what your treatment will be. The oxygen level may also help to determine if you need to receive supplemental oxygen.
This saturation number (a good number would be over 90-92%) differs from a value called the pO2 (a good number would be over 60-65) which is measured by obtaining blood from an artery.
Your doctor can clarify the significance of your value related to your particular situation.
What is the normal range for a pulse oximeter reading?
Pulse oximeter normal range:
You can expect a simple, quick, and safe measure of the oxygen saturation level in your body. The probe will be positioned and within a few seconds, the oximeter will provide a readout of your heart rate and your oxygen saturation level.
If you are wearing dark fingernail polish, long, artificial nails, or if your fingers are not clean, the pulse oximeter may not work properly.
There are no needles and no pain involved in oximetry measurement. Some hospitals also use disposable tape probes that wrap around your finger, nose, or toe.
Does asthma affect pulse ox?
can a pulse oximeter detect asthma?
Pulse oximetry measurement is desirable in all patients with acute asthma to exclude hypoxemia.
The hypoxemia of uncomplicated acute asthma is readily reversible by oxygen administration.
Oxygenation decreases 4-10 mm Hg with beta-agonist inhalant therapy due to increases in V/Q mismatch.
Therefore, all patients with acute asthma should have oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry, or they simply should be placed on oxygen therapy.
The pulse oximeter observes a rapid measurement of oxygen saturation level in your body without using needles or taking a blood sample.
The measured amount shown on the screen reflects the saturation of your red blood cells with oxygen. This number gives your doctors and nurses an idea of what your treatment will be.
Pulse Oximeters: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
Which finger is best for pulse oximeter?
As per the studies, your right hand’s middle finger shows the best results. Make sure to take off any nail polish and avoid using cold fingers as the readings may not show correctly.
What is Pulse Oximeter?
Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood.
What is the normal Perfusion Index?
The perfusion index or PI is the relationship between two types of blood flows.