Pulse Oximetry

Do you know what a Pulse Oximeter does?

A pulse oximeter is a small device placed on the fingertip. It uses infrared light to determine your heart rate and the oxygen content in your blood without drawing a blood sample.

Pulse oximeters display their results on the screen as numbers. The oxygen saturation level is usually abbreviated as SpO₂ and is presented as a percentage. Pulse or heart rate is abbreviated as PR. Oxygen saturation values are between 95% and 100% for healthy individuals.

Daily, individuals who are most at risk for low oxygen perfusion include those with pre-existing lung disease, heart disease or obesity, especially if they are active smokers.

Medical uses of oximetry include monitoring oxygen levels in the performance assessment of new lung medication for patients, anemia in various respiratory infections and conditions, including Sleep Apnea, COPD, lung cancer, asthma, and home oxygen therapy management.

In an emergency, oximetry is used to identify individuals requiring respiratory support.

How does this device save lives?

This device detects low blood oxygen levels sooner, facilitating earlier medical interventions that improve patient outcomes and save lives.