Why use a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a compact machine that tests how fast your heart is beating and how well you are breathing, to do this it checks how much oxygen is in your blood using a non-invasive method.

Using red and infrared lights Pulse Oximeters measure the oxygen saturation levels of your blood. A pulse oximeter can rapidly detect even small changes to your oxygen levels. The readings on a pulse oximeter show how efficiently blood carries oxygen to the furthest points away from your heart such as hands and feet. The most common pulse oximetry device is a finger tip oximeter, these small & lightweight devices can be carried around in your pocket and can be used anywhere to quickly check your saturation levels.

Doctors may use pulse oximeters to check the health of people with conditions that affect blood oxygen levels such as:

• COPD
• Asthma
• COVID
• Pneumonia

A normal SpO2 reading would typically read between 95-100 anything under that would indicate that there is a problem within the lungs & that you should consult a healthcare professional.   

You can find more information on pulse oximetry at the links below -

https://www.healthline.com/health/normal-blood-oxygen-level#What-your-blood-oxygen-level-shows

https://www.blf.org.uk/support-for-you/breathing-tests/tests-measure-oxygen-levels

https://www.england.nhs.uk/nhs-at-home/covid-oximetry-at-home/