What are the best pulse oximeter brands?Ī. If so, this could indicate a device malfunction. Have a healthy person test the device to see if he/she is receiving poor readings, too. If you’re receiving worrisome readings but aren’t experiencing other symptoms, make sure your finger is inserted properly. If you’re having other symptoms that could indicate a serious health problem, you may wish to visit an emergency room. If your doctor has asked you to take pulse oximeter readings, alert him or her immediately to any worrisome results. What should I do if my oxygenation levels are poor?Ī. For example, a pulse oximeter that’s not positioned properly could record an incorrect reading. The biggest problem you may have is incorrect data generation.
NORMAL PULSE OXIMETER READING SKIN
However, if your unit uses adhesive to secure to your finger, you could experience a skin reaction. Because it doesn’t pierce the skin, there’s no risk of infection. The drawbacks to this type of device are few. What are the dangers of using a pulse oximeter?Ī. For example, if the patient is taking medicine to help the lungs, this device can show if lung function is improving. For example, they may use the data from a pulse oximeter to tell if a patient is progressing properly after sedation for surgery.ĭoctors can obtain key information from pulse oximeters used at home, too. A doctor routinely uses a pulse oximeter with hospitalized patients. If a doctor orders you to begin exercising, an at-home pulse oximeter can help him/her determine whether you’re breathing properly during and after exercise. It’s always good to have a backup copy of your data in case the pulse oximeter fails. Take note of readings: Although some pulse oximeters will store the readings for you, you should write down your readings, the time at which you took them, and whether they occurred after physical activity. The unit indicates completion of the reading either with a display screen message or with an indicator light sequence. Others require you to press a start button. Take reading: Some units automatically take a reading when your fingertip touches a pad inside the unit. If your unit requires adhesive to hold it in place, apply the adhesive before inserting your finger. Other pulse oximeters may just have a hole or cylinder into which you insert your finger. It will fit tightly, but it shouldn’t pinch painfully like a clothespin would.
You pinch the ends of the pulse oximeter to open the arms, slide your finger inside, and release the ends. It’s not ideal for use during sleep, and it’s not really designed for at-home use, either.Ĭonnect to a finger: Some pulse oximeters open and close like a clothespin. You’re limited in the types of activities you can perform while wearing it, as you must hold the unit in one hand. (Other designs are so small that they won’t have many, if any, control buttons.) This design typically boasts a larger display screen, making it easier to read.Ĭons: This older design is not very portable. Pros: The handheld screen gives you more control over the unit’s operation than other designs. Alternatively, the fingertip clip may connect via wire to a larger display screen that contains additional data from multiple sensors on the body. The handheld portion, which is about the size of a thick smartphone, contains a display screen and may also sport control buttons. The clip fits onto about half of the index finger and attaches to a handheld device with a wire. This is the type of oximeter you’re most likely to encounter in a hospital. A design with a wristband screen may cost a little more than the oximeter on its own.
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