Oximeters are a small, lightweight, and handheld device that monitors the saturation of oxygen transmitted into the body. Additionally, a pulse oximeter can determine the pulse rate of an individual. The ideal results of blood oxygen levels in an individual should range between 95% to 100%. It is a convenient and non-invasive method of keeping an eye on a person's arterial oxygen saturation and heart rate providing a basis for clinical medical treatment.

What are Pulse Oximeters used for?

Oximeters provide regular observation and monitoring of the oxygen saturation of haemoglobin in arterial blood. These devices are generally used in hospitals, medical clinics, operating rooms as well as in homes for patients suffering from asthma, COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and congestive heart failure. Individuals with serious respiratory issues should have their SpO2 (or saturation of peripheral oxygen) levels check on a regular basis.

How to read an Oximeter

The number displayed on an oximeter reflects the percentage of haemoglobin saturated with oxygen. Pulse reading in high 90s- from 96% SpO2 through 99% SpO2 – is considered normal. SpO2 reading of 92% or lower is considered as low blood oxygen supply. This indicates hypoxia and required immediate attention.

How does an Oximeter work?

An oximeter just needs to be clipped on to your fingertip. The probe passes two types of light through the finger – infrared and red. These are transmitted from the probe through the body and into a light detector on the other side. If the haemoglobin is saturated with oxygen then it will absorb more of the infrared light and if there is less oxygen then more of the red light will be absorbed. This is converted into a digital value which is displayed on the pulse oximeter's screen.