#Pulse oximeter reading chart how to

(For a more thorough scientific explanation, read this.) Richard Levitan, a New Hampshire-based emergency room physician who specializes in airway management. To come up with that percentage, the device clamps onto your finger or earlobe and shoots different wavelengths of light through the small capillaries, explains Dr. That's generally the level where a doctor might put you on supplementary oxygen and keep you in the hospital for observation. If the number drops to 92% or lower, that's a cause for concern. You want a number in the 95% to 100% range. The second is a little more complicated.Ī pulse oximeter is a small electronic device that estimates the saturation of oxygen in your blood. What is the value of the device during this pandemic? Do you need to have one at home? The first question is relatively easy to answer. In fact, demand has spiked to such an extraordinary degree that you may not be able to buy one right now in your local pharmacy or online.

Email us your questions at with the subject line: 'Weekly Coronavirus Questions.' This week, we're considering questions about pulse oximeters.Īs the coronavirus continues to spread, a small medical device called a pulse oximeter has started to fly off the shelves.

#Pulse oximeter reading chart how to

Others aren't so sure.Įach week we answer some of your pressing questions about the coronavirus and how to stay safe. Some doctors believe it is a helpful device to have at home during the coronavirus pandemic. A pulse oximeter provides a quick read on the saturation of oxygen in your blood.