Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
The Fingertip Pulse Oximeter measures:
- Blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2)
- Pulse rate
The fingertip pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation
It does NOT measure breathing nor indicate the removal of carbon dioxide from the blood.
Here are some general guidelines to understand the pulse oximeter reading:
Pulse oximetry normal values are dependent on a person’s health condition, respiratory rate, the percentage of oxygen in the air, activities they are performing, and other factors.
The amount of oxygen in the air, which decreases at higher altitude, would have a significant effect on a person’s SpO2. A person may have a reading of 98% at sea level; it may decrease to 95% at 5,000 ft.
For a regular healthy person, the normal blood oxygen saturation level (SpO2) should be around 90% or above.