Question 1

how do pulse oximeters work to  measure spo2 levels?

Accepted Answer

Measure light: When hemoglobin in blood carries oxygen it is a slightly different shape than when not carrying oxygen. Different shape causes different absorption of light at very specific wavelengths.  Two wavelengths of light (visible red 660 nm and infrared 905 nm) are shone through your skin and absorbance is measured. Ratio between oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin is calculated. Displayed as a %.

Question 2

how do pulse oximeters work? does their light have to go through a fingernail or will any part of the finger do?

Accepted Answer

In fact,: the oximeter is so sophisticated that it only measures the substance that has "changing absorbance" (arterial blood"); it is able to disregard "non-changing absorbance" i.e. tissues like skin, muscle or nail. The fingernail, then, has nothing to do with the measurement. Hemoglobin in blood absorbs different light wavelengths; these are compared and computed to come up with the oxygen sat. Amazing!

Question 3

if spo2 on a pulse oximeter goes from mid to high 90s to under 93 when arm is raised (or level), is this a cause for concern?  heart / circulation related, or just how a pulseox device works?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms: A pulse oximetry reading with no symptoms above 92% is considered safe. Movement of your arm can cause a misreading.

Question 4

hi i had covid in may and still have the igg antibodies. tested on the 24th. my oximeter readings are 92, i have tried both hands and my family readings are normal (96/7) so the oximeter works. i do feel tired. any ideas? no headaches?

Accepted Answer

Persistent issues: I am pleased to hear of presence of antibodies by 7 months, as this does confirm ongoing immunity from the strain you caught.  The pulse ox is indeed reassuring, also.  You may have lingering fatigue which is not unusual and can persist several months.  Would engage in fitness activities, such as walking 1-2 miles three times weekly; also, get regular sleep, follow healthy diet, check medications.

Question 5

please can you send a oximeter?

Accepted Answer

Not what we offer: This is a health information site where volunteer docs answer questions about health conditions. It does not offer scripts/notes or send treatments to anyone. In the USA these are available over the counter through variety stores/pharmacies. How they are sold in your country is not information we have. Whether or not you can have your insurer or health plan cover the cost is also unknown to us.

Question 6

what is the definition or description of: oximeter?

Accepted Answer

Device: It is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood stream.  A sensor is placed over a finger and measurements are taken and recorded by the device.  It does not involve drawing any blood.

Question 7

during exercise, what's the normal oximeter readings?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Normally, there should be no change in pulse oximetry with exercise. If your pulse oximetry reading is in the high 90s or 100% at rest it should stay at that level. 
Dropping pulse oximetry with exercise occurs with some lung diseases and some cardiac conditions.

Question 8

i am tested positive with corona virus19 , haw can i get the puls oximeter >?

Accepted Answer

Hard to say:  In the USA these are available over the counter through variety stores/pharmacies. How they are sold in your country is not information we have. Whether or not you can have your insurer or health plan cover the cost is also unknown to us.

Question 9

i'm checking few times per day how much is my oxygen level using oximeter. very often the level is below 70. is it normal or not normal level?

Accepted Answer

? Faulty reading: Unless you are adviced by your doctor to monitor your oxygen levels for a particular condition you have, I wouldn't advice doing what you do, which can cause undue anxiety. If you are breathing fine , and doing your daily activities, don't worry, wish you wellness

Question 10

i take my o2 with oximeter sometimes. it always shows 95-100. once it showed 92 i readjusted and it quickly went up 98. it is that way. am i ok?

Accepted Answer

O2: spunds like there was a poor connection briefly when it showed as 92.  Normal for most of us is between 96 and a 100.

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Doctor answers about:

How does oximeter work

A member asked:

How do pulse oximeters work to measure spo2 levels?

A member asked:

How do pulse oximeters work? does their light have to go through a fingernail or will any part of the finger do?

A member asked:

If spo2 on a pulse oximeter goes from mid to high 90s to under 93 when arm is raised (or level), is this a cause for concern? heart / circulation related, or just how a pulseox device works?

A member asked:

Hi i had covid in may and still have the igg antibodies. tested on the 24th. my oximeter readings are 92, i have tried both hands and my family readings are normal (96/7) so the oximeter works. i do feel tired. any ideas? no headaches?

A member asked:

Please can you send a oximeter?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: oximeter?

A member asked:

During exercise, what's the normal oximeter readings?

A member asked:

I am tested positive with corona virus19 , haw can i get the puls oximeter >?

A member asked:

I'm checking few times per day how much is my oxygen level using oximeter. very often the level is below 70. is it normal or not normal level?

A member asked:

I take my o2 with oximeter sometimes. it always shows 95-100. once it showed 92 i readjusted and it quickly went up 98. it is that way. am i ok?

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