Last updated: January 2024
Are you someone who gives your health significant importance? Do you live with an elderly or a person whose health must be closely monitored?
Whatever situation you are in, it is always important to prioritize your health. It is better to know your health status, even before your body deteriorates and your symptoms start to worsen.
Oximeters were deemed essential to every establishment and household throughout the ages. With the prevalence of the Covid-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the usage of such tools. It was used to check a person’s blood oxygen level regularly.
This way, a person may ensure that they are within the healthy range. People may quickly determine if there is something wrong with their health. Since people can have the virus without visible symptoms, the blood oxygen level may be dangerously low without a person noticing.
As cliché as it may sound, it is always better to be safe rather than to be sorry. There is no more going back once your body sustains the damages. Thus, instead of settling for less, it is better to use an oximeter as a precaution.
What is an Oximeter?
What is an Oximeter - Oximeter in Singapore
An oximeter is a portable and easy-use device commonly used to check a person’s blood oxygen levels. It works by looking into how much light is being absorbed by your blood.
Most common oximeters function by reflecting two lights on your fingertip. These lights show the difference and determine oxygenated blood from those lacking oxygen.
Through this, oxygen-loaded blood absorbs more infrared light.
What is an Oximeter - Oximeter in Singapore
The oximeter is similar to common devices at home, like thermometers.
The only difference is that a thermometer determines our body thermometer while an oximeter measures blood oxygen level. You must also know the difference between blood oxygen concentration and pulse rate.
Keep in mind to disinfect and wipe your oximeter before and after using them. This reminder is necessary, specifically if you share your oximeter with others.
Your oximeter must also be kept away from moisture, dust, corrosive substances, explosive materials, and vibration.
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How Do I Use an Oximeter at Home?
Step 1: Sanitize and Clean Your Oximeter
To guarantee that your oximeter would function properly, it must be cleaned regularly and adequately. The most crucial part is its photodetectors and light sources.
This way, your device would be able to measure and calculate your blood oxygen level accurately.
You’ll need to note the red LED that is visible and could be easily found. However, since there are several types of the pulse oximeter, there is also an infrared LED on the device, which is not visible for you to find. To clean the LED, you’ll need to wipe it with a soft and dry cloth.
Remember that you should never use any liquid to clean the sensors and LEDs.
On the other hand, you may use a slightly damp soft cloth to clean the shell. Using alcohol may help to sanitize the same. All you have to do is be gentle in cleaning your oximeter as it is a delicate device.
Step 2: Make Sure to Remove Your Accessory
There are instances when your oximeter would find it difficult to measure your blood oxygen level accurately.
With this, you’ll have to remove your jewelry or any nail polish if you will be putting the device on your finger. You will have to make sure that the oximeter is in direct contact with your body.
Similarly, you will have to make sure that your hand is relaxed and warm. The hand must also be elevated below the heart level.
Step 3: Place the Device to Your Body
There is no other way for the oximeter to work but by placing it directly on your body. It has a small clip, making it easier and more stable when placed properly.
If you are wondering which body part it may be placed on, it is commonly positioned on the earlobe (for infants), finger, or toe. However, it is recommended to place the device on a person’s middle finger of the right hand.
Once placed, you should also avoid making unnecessary movements. If possible, it would help to stay still for the moment while conducting the test. Anyway, it would only take a few seconds or minutes to finish it.
Step 4: Turn on the Device and Allow it to Read
While the oximeter is on your finger or body, you may start by turning on the device. The reading would take around ten seconds to a minute, depending on the oximeter that you are using.
Once finished, your oxygen saturation and pulse rate will be displayed on its screen.
It is also recommended that you record your oxygen levels to track any changes or abnormalities. It would help just if you’d have to show it to your doctor.
Step 5: Clean and Store After Every Use
Similar to the step you have to follow before using the oximeter, you’ll also have to apply the same after use. The LEDs and sensors must be cleaned using a clean, soft, and dry cloth. On the other hand, the shell may be sanitized with a slightly damped cloth.
This step is necessary to prevent any bacteria or virus, if there are, to linger around the item. Moreover, it would help with the overall maintenance of your oximeter.
Pulse Oximeter Readings Chart
Pulse Oximeter Readings Chart - Oximeter in Singapore
There are several percentages that would appear once your oximeter was correctly used. If the result shown is between 95% to 100%, the user is deemed healthy.
It is a good sign as it indicates that there is a sufficient oxygen level present in your blood. However, you’ll have to consider that people with lung conditions or smokers may present lower blood oxygen levels.
A result with 90% to 94% is considered low blood oxygen level and you’ll need to have a supplemental oxygen supply. Do not be alarmed and consult a doctor for necessary steps immediately.
Finally, urgent treatment is needed if the results show an oxygen level lower than 90%. This is dangerously low and would need immediate care - go to the A&E immediately.
You may want to consult with your doctor first before using the device for those with pre-existing conditions. That way, you’ll know what specific level is considered normal for you. Also, there are other reasons why your readings may be inaccurate.
These reasons may include shaking, trembling, or the use of nail polish.
Is an oximeter useful for asthma?
Asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, leading to difficulty breathing. Oxygen levels are typically not significantly affected in asthma, so measuring it with an oximeter may not provide much useful information.
In most cases, healthcare providers rely on other measures, such as lung function tests, symptom monitoring, and medication management, to manage asthma.
Why am I short of breath but my oxygen saturation is good?
This can occur in cases where the body is able to maintain adequate oxygen levels despite underlying issues that affect respiration, such as shallow breathing patterns or reduced lung capacity.
In some cases, shortness of breath may also be caused by factors unrelated to oxygenation, such as inflammation, nerve issues, or muscle weakness. Regardless of the cause, persistent difficulty breathing should be promptly evaluated by a medical professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of low oxygen levels?
Low oxygen levels, also known as hypoxemia, can occur when the body is not getting enough oxygen from the air. Here are some common symptoms of low oxygen levels:
- Shortness of breath: One of the most common symptoms of low oxygen levels is shortness of breath. This can occur even during rest or mild activity.
- Rapid breathing: Low oxygen levels can cause rapid breathing, which is the body's way of trying to increase oxygen intake.
- Confusion: Low oxygen levels can cause confusion, disorientation, and changes in mental status.
- Rapid heart rate: Low oxygen levels can cause the heart to beat faster in an effort to circulate more oxygen throughout the body.
- Headache: Low oxygen levels can cause headaches, which can range from mild to severe.
- Blue tint to skin or lips: Low oxygen levels can cause a bluish tint to the skin or lips, which is known as cyanosis.
- Chest pain: Low oxygen levels can cause chest pain or tightness, which can be a sign of a more serious condition.
If you suspect that you or someone else may have low oxygen levels, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Low oxygen levels can be a sign of a serious medical condition, and prompt treatment can help prevent complications.
About the Oximeter
People must take a step ahead when it comes to one’s health. There is nothing wrong when making sure that you are healthy. In relation to this, using an oximeter is considered as one of the ways to ensure that you are well and fit.
With the emergence of different illnesses, you can never make sure that you are safe without necessary precautions.
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