Q&A on Finger pulse Oximeters.
A doctor in our our team had responded to queries on oximeters we received on Twitter.
Follow this thread for an informative summary of the Q&A.
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A doctor in our our team had responded to queries on oximeters we received on Twitter.
Follow this thread for an informative summary of the Q&A.
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What does a finger pulse oximeter do?
Oxygen saturation measurement is done by pulse oximetry, where a probe shines a light through your finger or toe and measures the changes in wavelength, which is correlated to the the amount of oxygen carried in your bloodstream.
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Oxygen saturation measurement is done by pulse oximetry, where a probe shines a light through your finger or toe and measures the changes in wavelength, which is correlated to the the amount of oxygen carried in your bloodstream.
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What is a safe range of oxygen saturation?
An SpO2 (oxygen saturation) of 94-100% can be considered normal. There can be variation between people of different body types, with obese people having lower normal saturations.....
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An SpO2 (oxygen saturation) of 94-100% can be considered normal. There can be variation between people of different body types, with obese people having lower normal saturations.....
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....People with pre-existing respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and COPD will also have lower than normal oxygen saturation in everyday situations. Such patients are advised to consult their physician for more information.
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What is the best position of hand to use the oximeter?
It is best to measure your oxygen saturation in the index, middle or ring fingers as they have the bulk to adequately cover both the light source and the sensor.
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It is best to measure your oxygen saturation in the index, middle or ring fingers as they have the bulk to adequately cover both the light source and the sensor.
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Is there a recommended time to take the measurements?
There is no variation of SpO2 with time. It should just be measured when the patient is conscious and in a resting state, as there can be variations while sleeping and exercising.
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There is no variation of SpO2 with time. It should just be measured when the patient is conscious and in a resting state, as there can be variations while sleeping and exercising.
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Does the SpO2 range vary based on gender or age?
Male or female, adult or child, oxygen saturation remains in the range of 94-100. Strenuous exercise can temporarily reduce SpO2 count, but they should recover on taking rest.
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Male or female, adult or child, oxygen saturation remains in the range of 94-100. Strenuous exercise can temporarily reduce SpO2 count, but they should recover on taking rest.
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I have a large variation in SpO2 from 94 to 99 in a day. Is it normal?
Yes. As mentioned earlier, saturation can decrease with strenuous activities. Moreover, factors like inappropriate sensor placement, damp fingers etc. can also be contributory factors.
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Yes. As mentioned earlier, saturation can decrease with strenuous activities. Moreover, factors like inappropriate sensor placement, damp fingers etc. can also be contributory factors.
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I have SpO2 sensors in my phone/health band. Are they reliable?
The issue with phone/band SpO2 sensors is the quality of reading. This has improved with generations, but it is recommended to use a fingertip sensor if you want consistent and reliable readings.
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The issue with phone/band SpO2 sensors is the quality of reading. This has improved with generations, but it is recommended to use a fingertip sensor if you want consistent and reliable readings.
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Are there any brands of oximeters that you recommend?
We are not recommending any brands as of now. Nonin medical, Omron, Contec, BPL etc. are some of the more reputed brands. But based on our experience, most no-name oximeters are reliable for home use.
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We are not recommending any brands as of now. Nonin medical, Omron, Contec, BPL etc. are some of the more reputed brands. But based on our experience, most no-name oximeters are reliable for home use.
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When should we seek medical help?
You may consult a doctor if your oxygen saturation readings are below 94-95% on multiple occasions, or if you are feeling breathless.
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You may consult a doctor if your oxygen saturation readings are below 94-95% on multiple occasions, or if you are feeling breathless.
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Will wearing mask for prolonged periods reduce oxygen saturation?
A normal healthy individual will not be affected by wearing a mask for a long period. If you experience temporary discomfort, everything including saturation should be normal once you take the mask off.
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A normal healthy individual will not be affected by wearing a mask for a long period. If you experience temporary discomfort, everything including saturation should be normal once you take the mask off.
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Is oximeters to be used by all or only those with symptoms?
Pulse oximetery can be only one component of a multi-pronged strategy for screening along with temperature checks etc. It cannot be used in isolation.
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Pulse oximetery can be only one component of a multi-pronged strategy for screening along with temperature checks etc. It cannot be used in isolation.
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That was a summary of the Q&A on offer pulse oximeters. Hope you found it helpful. Share with others as use of oximeters is becoming popular. If you have further questions, do let us know.
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