Question 1

is it normal operation for the pulse rate taken with a pulse ox to occasionally fluctuate high or low by 10 or so bpm before settling into normal range after 10 seconds or so?

Accepted Answer

: Not so surprising, as it depends upon the quality and consistency of the device.  Hospital pulse oximeter devices are typically much more expensive and standardized, while home units maybe within the ballpark but not quite the reliability.

Question 2

how does anemia affect pulse ox reading? what is considered to be the normal range for someone who is anemic?

Accepted Answer

No effect: Anemia has no effect on oxygen saturation, i.e. pulse oximeter readings. Brething room air at sea level, normal is about 95% or higher.

Question 3

if someone is having a heart attack. would the pulse oximeter show an oxygen sat level below normal range?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: If the heart attack is huge, the heart will not pump effectively and blood will not circulate normally, causing a low oxygen saturation.  More commonly, the heart attack will be smaller and the heart will continue to pump effectively enough to get blood to the lungs and then to the body, keeping the oxygen saturation normal.

Question 4

if i have allergies and stuffiness occasionally and my peak flow is not at its highest rate at points, but when measuring my blood oxygen it is within normal range via a pulse oximeter, am i okay as long as my blood oxygen remains stable?

Accepted Answer

: You likely measure your oxygen saturation at rest and it is good that your level is satisfactory. What you described could limit your ability for strenuous activity. It would be prudent to consult a doctor to address the stuffiness so that you can perform at your optimal level.
Wish you good health!

Question 5

what is a normal pulse ox reading?

Accepted Answer

Pulse ox: This is a measure of oxygenated hemglobin done by light absorption devices.For people without lung disease a reading of 95% or greater is expected on room air.  If less than 90% then one should look for specific abnormalities. Pulse ox readings can be in error if the extremity (usually a finger) is too cold and florescent  can interfere as well.

Question 6

what is a normal pulse ox  with  moderate activity?

Accepted Answer

95-100%: In normal healthy patients with normal lungs and hearts, pulse oximetry doesn't start to really drop until the anaerobic threshold is reached, and that only happens during very intense exercise.  But be careful - pulse oximetry readings during exercise are problematic due to motion artifact and altered perfusion in the fingers (where it's usually measured).

Question 7

my normal oxygen level us 96-98 on a pulse ox, i traveled to new mexico and it was 91-95 and i didn't feel well? why the drop in oxygen?

Accepted Answer

Interesting: I wonder if this has something to do with atmospheric change, but would have to know where you originate from.  I'm also curious as to why you measure your oxygen level regularly.  Is there a health product for this?  The lower O2 level could be a cause of not feeling well or an effect of something else that made you not feel well (eg pneumonia). Recommend virtual c/s for more informed response.

Question 8

does having an elevated cohb (nonsmoker) cause a false normal pulse ox reading?also methb & o2/g hb are on the highest sides of normal.hb & oxy are ok

Accepted Answer

Carbon monoxide : If you are exposed to carbon monoxide from wood stoves or other sources you can have a high level in your blood.  Co binds tighter to hg than o2 so the pulse ox is only an estimate based on normal parameters.  I suggest a co moniter/ alarm for safety.

Question 9

what is normal pulse ox during sleep?

Accepted Answer

&gt;95%: Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to 100 percent. Values under 90 percent are considered low.

Question 10

what is a normal pulse ox reading for those with asthma?

Accepted Answer

97-99%: The same as for people without asthma - 97-99%.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Normal range for pulse ox

A member asked:

Is it normal operation for the pulse rate taken with a pulse ox to occasionally fluctuate high or low by 10 or so bpm before settling into normal range after 10 seconds or so?

A member asked:

How does anemia affect pulse ox reading? what is considered to be the normal range for someone who is anemic?

A member asked:

If someone is having a heart attack. would the pulse oximeter show an oxygen sat level below normal range?

A member asked:

If i have allergies and stuffiness occasionally and my peak flow is not at its highest rate at points, but when measuring my blood oxygen it is within normal range via a pulse oximeter, am i okay as long as my blood oxygen remains stable?

A member asked:

What is a normal pulse ox reading?

A member asked:

What is a normal pulse ox with moderate activity?

A member asked:

My normal oxygen level us 96-98 on a pulse ox, i traveled to new mexico and it was 91-95 and i didn't feel well? why the drop in oxygen?

A member asked:

Does having an elevated cohb (nonsmoker) cause a false normal pulse ox reading?also methb & o2/g hb are on the highest sides of normal.hb & oxy are ok

A member asked:

What is normal pulse ox during sleep?

A member asked:

What is a normal pulse ox reading for those with asthma?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?