How to use a pulse oximeter to measure oxygen saturation

Take a look here on the step-by-step guide to use a pulse oximeter.

By India Today Web Desk: The pulse oximeter is used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. A pulse oximeter is useful for estimating blood oxygen levels. It uses light beams to estimate the oxygen saturation of the blood and the pulse rate. Oxygen saturation gives information about the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. The pulse oximeter can estimate the amount of oxygen in the blood without having to draw a blood sample.

The government shared a step-by-step guideline on how to use the pulse oximeter on its Twitter handle. Oximeter plays a role only in giving a clue that the patient is otherwise normal, but he has a sudden drop in the oxygen level.

Take a look here at the step-by-step guide to use a pulse oximeter.

Here is how to use a Pulse Oximeter:

Step 1: Remove any nail polish/false nails & warm your hand if cold.

Step 2: Rest for at least 5 minutes before taking your measurement.

Step 3: Rest your hand on your chest at heart level & hold it still.

Step 4: Switch on the oximeter & place it on your middle or index finger.

Step 5: The reading takes time to steady, Keep the oximeter in place for at least a minute or longer if the reading is not stable.

Step 6: Record the highest result once it has not changed for 5 seconds.

Step 7: Identify each reading carefully.

Step 8: Start recording from baseline & record three times a day at the same time. Take extra measures if you feel a change in your health.

Note: Call 1075 if you:

  • Feel seriously ill.
  • Are unable to complete short sentences, while resting, due to breathlessness.
  • Your oxygen level is 92% or less.

The pulse oximeter is used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. But do you know how does it work? Take a look! #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/YAToaH8hIq — MyGovIndia (@mygovindia) April 24, 2021

READ: What is KN95 mask, check details here

Edited By:

Megha Chaturvedi

Published On:

Apr 25, 2021

Pulmonary

What is pulse oximetry?

Pulse oximetry is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is an easy, painless measure of how well oxygen is being sent to parts of your body furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs.

A clip-like device called a probe is placed on a body part, such as a finger or ear lobe. The probe uses light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. This information helps the healthcare provider decide if a person needs extra oxygen.

Why might I need pulse oximetry?

Pulse oximetry may be used to see if there is enough oxygen in the blood. This information is needed in many kinds of situations. It may be used:

  • During or after surgery or procedures that use sedation

  • To see how well lung medicines are working

  • To check a person’s ability to handle increased activity levels

  • To see if a ventilator is needed to help with breathing, or to see how well it’s working

  • To check a person has moments when breathing stops during sleep (sleep apnea)

Pulse oximetry is also used to check the health of a person with any condition that affects blood oxygen levels, such as:

  • Heart attack

  • Heart failure

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Anemia

  • Lung cancer

  • Asthma

  • Pneumonia

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to advise pulse oximetry.

What are the risks of pulse oximetry?

All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include:

  • Incorrect reading if the probe falls off the earlobe, toe, or finger

  • Skin irritation from adhesive on the probe

Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Talk with him or her about any concerns you have.

How do I get ready for pulse oximetry?

Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Make sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure. If a finger probe is to be used, you may be asked to remove fingernail polish.

Your healthcare provider may have other instructions for getting ready.

What happens during pulse oximetry?

You may have your procedure as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay in the hospital. The way the procedure is done may vary. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider's methods. In most cases, pulse oximetry will follow this process:

  1. A clip-like device called a probe will be placed on your finger or earlobe. Or, a probe with sticky adhesive may be placed on your forehead or finger.

  2. The probe may be left on for ongoing monitoring.

  3. Or it may be used to take a single reading. The probe will be removed after the test.

What happens after pulse oximetry?

You can go home after the test, unless you are in the hospital for another reason. You may go back to your normal diet and activities as instructed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure.

What should the 2 readings on a pulse oximeter?

An ideal oxygen level is between 96% and 99% and an ideal heart rate is between 50 and 90 beats per minute (bpm). The oxygen level may be lower in some people with lung conditions, even when they are feeling well. If you have an existing lung condition, please check with your doctor about what your readings should be.

Which finger is best for pulse oximeter?

Which finger to use in a 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 on cold fingers as the readings may not show correctly.

What is a normal reading on a pulse oximeter?

A normal level of oxygen is usually 95% or higher. Some people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels around 90%. The “SpO2” reading on a pulse oximeter shows the percentage of oxygen in someone's blood. If your home SpO2 reading is lower than 95%, call your health care provider.

How do you use a pulse oximeter SpO2?

Make sure your hand is warm, relaxed, and below heart level if attaching the device here. Place the device on your finger, earlobe, or toe. Keep the device on for as long as needed to monitor your pulse and oxygen saturation. Remove the device once the test is over.