Pulse oximeter different readings on different fingers

KOCHI: A pulse oximeter is a small device that painlessly and quickly measures your oxygen saturation level, or how much oxygen in your blood. These devices have a probe or sensor that looks like a plastic bag clip to be placed onto your fingertip, toe or ear lobe. A small screen on the probe displays an estimate of blood oxygen levels is in your limbs or other body parts. 

How does it work?
Light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, inside of the pulse oximeter probe give off multiple colours of light, including red. The light shines through the tissues of your fingertip, and the sensor on the other side picks it. Pulse oximeters check the density of light to estimate the number of blood cells carrying oxygen. 

What can affect Pulse oximetry readings?
A pulse oximeter reading is an estimate and may not always be accurate. As the light travels through your fingernail and tissue, several things can affect the accuracy of the SpO2 reading, including:
Skin colour: Skin with more pigment may cause some pulse oximeters to give slightly higher readings.
Problems in the circulation system: Poor blood circulation in your hands and fingers may cause lower readings.

Cold hands: Having cold hands may cause lower readings.
Wet skin: Water or sweat on the skin may reflect the light and affect the measurement.
Bright light: Exterior bright light may interfere with the light detector and cause inaccuracy 
Thick fingernails: Thick nails can block the light penetration and may cause lower readings.
Fingernail polish: Black, blue, and green nail polish may cause significantly lower readings.
Bruises or tattoos on the fingertips: Both may cause inaccurate readings. Try choosing a different finger or limb for a more accurate reading.

Understanding Pulse oximeter readings 

• A blood oxygen saturation level of 95 to 100 per cent on your pulse oximeter is a normal reading for healthy adults and kids.
• If your reading is lower than this more than once, contact your doctor right away.

Signs of low blood oxygen levels

• Difficulty in breathing 
• Fast & shallow breathing
• Confusion
• Blue tinged lips or face

Caring of your Pulse oximeter

• Keep the battery fully charged
• Disinfect with an alcohol swab after usage

Tips for taking readings with a pulse oximeter

• Make sure your hands aren’t too cold or hot, or wet or sweaty.
• Keep your hand and fingers still. Don’t move while you’re taking the reading.
• Avoid placing the pulse oximeter probe on a fingernail that has nail polish or on tattooed skin

(The author is the Chief of International Pulmonology at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi) 

For people who value health above everything else, it becomes extremely critical to keep a constant check on their oxygen levels. For this, a pulse oximeter is required. This compact yet portable device aids you to track your oxygen saturation or oxygen level so as to ensure complete safety for you and your loved ones. Typically speaking, a pulse oximeter is a small device in a clip shape that can be attached to your fingers, toes, or earlobes to display the accurate oxygen saturation in your blood. In layman’s terms, a pulse oximeter displays how perfectly your heart is pumping oxygen through your body.

A few times, when people experience breathing issues and are skeptical about when to get admitted to a hospital, a pulse oximeter gives you an excellent option to decide. So, it becomes really critical to know how to use a pulse oximeter. Are you doing it right?

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A step-by-step guide to using a pulse oximeter and check your oxygen level

• Step 1: For women, it is advisable to remove nail polish from the fingernails before putting their fingers inside the pulse oximeter. If your hands are cold, you should warm them by rubbing them against each other.
• Step 2: Take a rest for a minimum of 5 minutes prior to taking a measurement.
• Step 3: Before taking a reading, rest your hand on your chest at heart level and hold it still.
• Step 4: Now, switch on the pulse oximeter and place it either on the index finger or the middle finger.
• Step 5: The displayed reading may fluctuate at the beginning, so, have patience and be stable. It is strongly recommended to keep the pulse oximeter in place for at least a minute or longer if the reading is constantly fluctuating.
• Step 6: Note the result that is highest once it remains constant for five seconds.
• Step 7: Record each reading with the utmost attention.
• Step 8: Ideally, you should start tracking from the baseline and record at least 3-times a day to keep constant monitoring.

The constant tracking of oxygen levels is highly important for patients suffering from the current pandemic. If the oxygen level dips below 94 percent, it is recommended that patients should immediately report to their doctor.

Pulse oximeters that are available online for purchase
Checkout these popular pulse oximeters that you can get online in India:

Dr Trust Professional Series Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter

Available in blue color, this pulse oximeter from Dr Trust is known to give precise, swift, and reliable measurements. You can track blood oxygen saturation level (SPO2), Perfusion Index, respiratory rate, pulse rate, and pulse bar graph using this device. Other features include water resistance, multi-directional OLED screen display, alarm, and superior performance. This pulse oximeter can be bought for Rs 2,343.

Choicemmed Finger Pulse Oximeter

Don’t miss this pulse oximeter from CHOICEMMED that has the ability to read and display up to 100% for SpO2. Known for accurately tracking your SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation levels), pulse rate, and pulse strength in 10 seconds, this pulse oximeter shows the reading easily on a vast LED display. Buy this pulse oximeter for Rs 1,099.

Tamizhanda P-01 Pulse Oximeter

If you are looking for a reliable pulse oximeter, try this one from Tamizhanda that comes with 2 Duracell batteries. Available in the 5.8 x 3 x 3 cm dimension, this pulse oximeter is appreciated food its 98% accuracy and high performance. Other features include high precision, compact size, and easy-to-use nature. This pulse oximeter can be purchased for Rs 499.

Hesley Pulse Oximeter

Hesley brings to you this high-performance pulse oximeter that comes with a medical-grade silicone finger chamber, which is is allergen & latex-free to prevent microbial reactions while recording. Appreciated for its single-button operation, this pulse oximeter is versed with a four-direction OLED screen, which ensures a precise reading. The price of this pulse oximeter is Rs 1,199.

Pulse oximeters with alarms to quickly check blood oxygen level

Looking for a good pulse oximeter with an alarm feature? We have a list of some of the most trusted choices that will help you keep a check on your blood oxygen levels and pulse rate easily at home. Check out this list and buy the right one for your needs.

Disclaimer: The Times of India's journalists were not involved in the production of this article. The product prices mentioned in the article are subject to change with offers given by Amazon.

1. What is the normal pulse rate in an oximeter?
   Typically, the normal reading of a pulse oximeter ranges from 95 to 100 percent. If the reading drops below 90, this calls for the requirement of supplemental oxygen.
2. How accurate are finger pulse oximeters?
   The precision level or accuracy of a pulse oximeter at saturations 90-100% is high. The precision level of a pulse oximeter at saturations 80 - 90% is intermediate. The precision level of a pulse oximeter at saturations below 80 % is lowest.
3. Which finger is best for the pulse oximeter?
   The right middle finger and right thumb have statistically higher value, making them perfect for a pulse oximeter.
4. Is 94 blood oxygen level low?
   Any reading between 94 - 99 or higher reflects normal oxygen saturation. If the oxygen level goes below 90, it is regarded to be low blood oxygen.
5. Will Amazon deliver pulse oximeters during the lockdown?
   Since Amazon is readily delivering essentials during the lockdown and pulse oximeter lies in this range, it is delivered during the covid restriction.

Can oximeter readings be different on each hand?

Why does oximeter give different readings on different fingers?

Which finger is best for pulse oximeter?