Scott Weaver
Updated at: November 20, 2024 · 5 min read
How to use a blood oxygen meter?
Blood oxygen meters, also known as pulse oximeters, are essential tools for monitoring your health. They provide insights into the oxygen levels in your blood, helping you understand potential health concerns. This guide will walk you through how to use a blood oxygen meter effectively, understand the readings, and recognise when to seek medical help.
Why Should You Monitor Blood Oxygen Levels?
Monitoring blood oxygen levels is crucial because it provides vital information about how well your body is circulating oxygen. Low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) can indicate various health issues, such as respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.
Keeping an eye on your blood oxygen levels can help you and your doctor:
Diagnose potential health concerns.
Monitor chronic conditions like asthma or COPD.
Assess your overall wellness, particularly during illnesses like flu or COVID-19.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a small, non-invasive device that measures oxygen saturation in the blood. It works by shining light through your fingertip to detect the difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. Pulse oximeters are simple to use and provide quick, reliable readings.
How Accurate is a Blood Oxygen Meter?
Modern at-home pulse oximeters are highly accurate, often within 2% of professional medical devices. While they are a useful tool for monitoring health, always consult a healthcare professional for any abnormal results or concerns.
How to Use a Blood Oxygen Meter
Using a blood oxygen meter is straightforward. Follow these steps for accurate results:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Remove Nail Polish or False Nails
These can interfere with the light beam, giving inaccurate results.
Warm Your Hands
Cold fingers can reduce circulation and affect the reading.
Rest Before Taking a Reading
Sit still for at least five minutes to ensure your heart rate and oxygen levels are stable.
Place Your Hand at Heart Level
Rest your hand on your chest to align it with your heart.
Attach the Pulse Oximeter
Clip the device onto your middle or index finger. Avoid using the ear for measurements.
Turn on the Device
Allow the oximeter to stabilise and wait for the reading to stop changing.
Record Your Results
Note the highest reading displayed when it remains stable for at least five seconds.
Track Regularly
For consistent monitoring, take three readings daily at the same time and document them in a diary. For more information on how you can use your fingertip pulse oximeter, feel free to watch the video below.
Using a pulse oximeter at home
Watch the video below to understand how you can use a pulse oximeter from the comfort of your own home to measure both your blood oxygen levels and heart rate.
For consistent tracking of your oxygen level and heart rate, it's best to take three readings a day at exactly the same time, and keep track of them in a diary as you go along!
How to use your pulse oximeter and Covid-19 diary
Watch the video below to learn how to use your pulse oximeter in a step by step guide by the NHS:
The NHS has some helpful resources on what to do for Individuals recovering from COVID-19, who require advice on self-isolation and treating coronavirus symptoms.
What do pulse oximetry readings mean?
Understanding your pulse oximeter readings is actually simpler than it may seem. The reading will be presented as a percentage. Generally, a percentage between 96-100% is considered to be normal. Any value that is below 92% is considered to be low and will require medical observation. You can go further in-depth into your results, however. Below is a table that explains the results of blood oxygen reading in more detail.
Observation | Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) % | Pulse Rate (BPM) | Temp (℃) |
| Normal readings | 96% or more | 40-100 | 36.5-37.5 |
| Acceptable to monitor at home | 95% | 101-109 | 38 |
| Seek advice from your GP | 93-94% | 110-130 | 38.1-39 |
| Requires urgent medical advice | 92% or less | 131 or more | 39 or more |
Understanding Pulse Oximeter Readings
Pulse oximeter readings are easy to interpret and typically include:
SpO2: This is the percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.
96-100%: Normal levels.
92% or below: Low oxygen levels that may require medical attention.
Pulse Rate: The number of heartbeats per minute, displayed alongside SpO2.
Who Can Use a Blood Oxygen Monitor?
Adults: Designed for most adult finger sizes, regardless of age or weight.
Children: Suitable for older children. Babies may require specialist devices in a hospital setting.
When to Seek Medical Help
If your readings show any of the following, consult a healthcare professional:
SpO2 below 92%: Indicates low oxygen levels.
Pulse rate above 131 bpm: Suggests a high heart rate.
Temperature above 39°C: Could be a sign of infection or other health issues.
Where to Buy a Blood Oxygen Monitor
You can purchase a blood oxygen monitor online from UK Meds, orders placed before 4 pm are eligible for next-day delivery, so you can start monitoring your health right away.
Final Thoughts
Using a blood oxygen meter is an easy and effective way to keep track of your health. Regular monitoring, combined with understanding your readings, can help you take proactive steps toward addressing potential health issues. Always consult a healthcare professional if you notice any abnormal results or have concerns about your oxygen levels. Stay informed, stay healthy!
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