Pulse Oximeter is a small, lightweight device used to monitor the amount of oxygen carried in the body. This noninvasive tool attaches painlessly to your fingertip, sending two wavelengths of light through the finger to measure your pulse rate and how much oxygen is in your system.

What is pulse oximetry?

Pulse Oximeter is a test used to measure the oxygen level (oxygen saturation) of the blood. It is an easy, painless measure of how well oxygen is being sent to parts of your body furthest from your heart, such as the arms and legs. A clip-like device called a probe is placed on a body part, such as any finger or ear lobe. The probe uses light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. This information helps the healthcare provider decide if a person needs extra oxygen.

Why might I need pulse oximetry?

Pulse oximetry may be used to see if there is enough oxygen in the blood. This information is needed in many kinds of situations. It may be used:

• During or after surgery or procedures that use sedation
• To see how well lung medicines are working
• To check a person’s ability to handle increased activity levels
• To see if a ventilator is needed to help with breathing, or to see how well it’s working
• To check a person has moments when breathing stops during sleep

Pulse oximetry is also used to check the health of a person with any condition that affects blood oxygen levels, such as:

• Heart attack
• Heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Anemia
• Lung cancer
• Asthma
• Pneumonia

Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to advise pulse oximetry.

Pulse Oximeter

What are the risks of pulse oximetry?

All procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include:

• Incorrect reading if the probe falls off the earlobe, toe, or finger
• Skin irritation from adhesive on the probe

Your risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Talk with him or her about any concerns you have.

Pulse Oximeter