Blood oxygen monitors, often known as oximeters, increasingly become popular with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unless you have someone in your home who has asthma, COPD, or other lung disorders, an oximeter isn’t necessary, and it wouldn’t be shocking to know that the term ‘oximeter’ wouldn’t have been heard before COVID-19.

The COVID-19 virus enters the body through the respiratory system, producing inflammation and pneumonia in the infected person’s lungs, lowering oxygen saturation in the bloodstream. Even if the diseased person has no other symptoms, oxygen deprivation might ensue. A pulse oximeter is a little clip-on gadget that displays the precise oxygen saturation in your blood. You can connect it to your fingers, toes, or earlobes.  A pulse oximeter shows how well your heart pumps oxygen throughout your body.

They have become one of the home usage equipment at each home but do you think you use them correctly?

Since oximeters have become the home oxygen monitor, here is a thorough reference to your guide towards using Pulse Oximeters at home.

What to keep in mind while buying an Oximeter?

When purchasing medical equipment, accuracy is the essential element to consider. Unfortunately, there is no method to verify correctness at the moment of purchase, but the best way to do so is to look for comments and reviews of the users and before making a purchase. It is best to buy the recommended pulse oximeters that can be trustable.  An incorrect blood oxygen monitor reading can have significant consequences later on.

How to use the Oximeter?

Pulse oximeters function by flashing light through the finger (or earlobe) and measuring the amount of light reflecting the sensor on the other side. Oximeters can then calculate how much oxygen is in the blood using a mathematical equation.

Generally, a blood oxygen monitor shows two or three numbers that get displayed on most pulse oximeters. The main crucial number is oxygen saturation level, which is commonly abbreviated as SpO2 and expressed as a percentage. The pulse rate (akin to heart rate) gets shortened PR, and a third digit occasionally indicates the signal strength. Most healthy people have oxygen saturation levels between 95 and 100 percent, while patients with lung disorders may have lower levels. Saturation levels of oxygen are also slightly lower in those who live at higher altitudes.

Ensure to take a note of your oxygen levels, along with the date and time, so you can keep track of your oxygen level and notify your doctor quickly

A step-by-step guide to the use of Oximeter

 1: Remove any nail polish or fake nails, and if your hand is cold, warm it up.

 2: Place your hand at heart level on your chest and keep it motionless.

 3: Place the Oximeter on your middle or index finger and turn it on.

 4: If the reading is not stable, keep the Oximeter in place for at least a minute or longer.

 5: Once the highest result has remained unchanged for 5 seconds, record it.

 6: Make a detailed note of each reading.

 7: Begin recording at the beginning of the day and record three times a day at the same time. Take extra caution and contact your doctor if you observe a change in your health or exhibit any symptoms.

Interpreting the Reading in Oximeter

Generally, the measurement changes or patterns may be more important than a single measurement. When assessing your health or oxygen level, don’t rely just on a pulse oximeter.

Other signs or symptoms of low oxygen levels, such as bluish pigmentation in the cheeks, lips, or nails, should be noted while using a home oxygen monitor. Such symptoms include:

•          Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, or a cough that is getting worse;
•          Unease and restlessness;
•          A rapid pulse rate or racing; and

•          ache or stiffness in the chest.

Also, keep in mind that not all patients with low oxygen levels may exhibit any or all of these symptoms.

Conclusion

Be mindful that skin temperature, poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, current cigarette use, and the use of nail polish can all impair the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading. When using a pulse oximeter, check to see if the oxygen level is lower than previous readings or declining with time. The recommended pulse oximeter allows you to keep track of your oxygen saturation or level, ensuring total safety for you and your loved ones. Contact a health care practitioner if you are worried about the pulse oximeter measurement or are not sure and also show additional symptoms despite the measures, or if your symptoms are severe or worsening.