Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

 

Among the ERT (Emergency Response Team) devices available at the Concierge is a Fingertip Pulse Oximeter (brand new replacing the pandemic era one which will be a backup device).

jump to: What Your Pulse Oximeter Readings Mean

What is a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a small, non-invasive device that measures the oxygen saturation level in your blood, or how much oxygen is being carried by your red blood cells. It works by shining light through your finger and analyzing how much red light is absorbed versus how much infrared light passes through, a method that also allows it to measure your heart rate. These devices are used to check how well oxygen is being sent to the parts of your body furthest from your heart.  

How it works

• The device typically clips onto a finger, earlobe, or toe.
• It uses two different wavelengths of light to measure the difference in absorption between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin.
• The device calculates the percentage of your blood that is oxygen-saturated. 

Why it's used

• Medical monitoring: Healthcare providers use pulse oximeters to monitor patients before, during, and after surgery, or to assess how well lung medicines are working.
• Chronic conditions: They are helpful for monitoring people with conditions like asthma, COPD, heart failure, or pneumonia.
• Home use: Some people are told to use them at home to monitor their oxygen levels, especially during recovery from illnesses like COVID-19 or to track the potential worsening of a chronic condition.
• Routine checkups: A pulse oximetry test can be part of a routine checkup. 

Important considerations

• To get the most accurate reading, you should be at rest with your hand on your chest at heart level, have warm hands, and remove any nail polish.
• Factors like poor circulation, cold temperatures, or certain skin conditions can affect accuracy.
• Always follow your doctor's instructions on how often to check your oxygen levels and what to do if you notice changes. 

What Your Pulse Oximeter Readings Mean

For a healthy person, a normal pulse oximeter reading is 95%–100% oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and a 60–100 beats per minute (bpm) pulse rate. Readings below 95% SpO₂ are abnormal and should be reported to a healthcare provider. Readings below 90% SpO₂ may indicate hypoxemia and require medical attention.

Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)

• 95%–100%: Normal range  
• Below 95%: Abnormal. You should contact your healthcare provider  
• 90%–94%: Lower than normal, but may be acceptable for some individuals with chronic lung conditions. Monitor closely and consult your doctor.  
• Below 90%: Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen). Consult a healthcare provider. In some cases, you may need supplemental oxygen.  
• Below 85%: Severe hypoxemia, likely requiring immediate medical attention or an external oxygen supply.              

Pulse rate (PR)

• 60–100 bpm: Normal resting heart rate for an adult 
• 101–130 bpm: See your doctor for monitoring. 
• Above 130 bpm: Go to the emergency room. 
• Below 60 bpm: May be normal for athletes or could indicate bradycardia, another condition requiring medical evaluation.              

Important considerations

• Chronic conditions: People with conditions like COPD or pneumonia may have a lower normal oxygen saturation level. Your doctor will tell you what range is acceptable for you.  
• Accuracy: Pulse oximeter readings can be affected by factors like nail polish, cold hands, or poor circulation. For the most accurate reading, rest your hand and finger still for at least a minute. A blood test may provide a more definitive measurement.  
• When to seek help: If your readings are lower than your normal range, especially if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention if your reading drops below 92%. 

Cheers!
Emergency Response Team TEL3