It helps monitor how well oxygen is being delivered in the body.
Pulse oximeters are frequently used in hospitals and clinics but can also be used at home.
People at higher altitudes may have slightly lower readings.
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In everyday medical practice, pulse oximetry is used during routine checkups for people who visit their providers office.
It can help track how well treatments likeinhalersor supplemental oxygen work.
It is also helpful in assessing people with symptoms of COVID-19 or other infections that can affect lung function.
A pulse ox is a simple, noninvasive way to monitor oxygen levels in any healthcare setting.
You should also know when to contact your healthcare provider for low oxygen levels.
How to Take a Reading
Taking a reading with a pulse oximeter is simple.
To begin, check that your hands are warm, as cold fingers can affect the accuracy.
Remove any fingernail polish or artificial nails.
The oxygen saturation level is shown on the machine as SpO2.
This reflects the percentage of oxygen in your blood.
A normal reading typically ranges from 95% to 100%.
If you notice unexpected results, take multiple readings and notify your healthcare provider.
Low oxygen levels, known ashypoxemia, can indicate that your body isnt getting enough oxygen.
It helps monitor how well oxygen is being delivered throughout the body.
It is commonly used in hospitals, healthcare provider offices, and at home.
Factors like skin tone, nail polish, and rig errors can affect accuracy of the pulse ox reading.
Consistently low oxygen readings may require immediate medical attention or further evaluation by a healthcare provider.
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