references
Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Pulse Oximetry"
American Thoracic Society: "Pulse Oximetry"
U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "Pulse Oximeters and Oxygen Concentrators: What to Know About At-Home Oxygen Therapy"
Minnesota Department of Health: "Oxygen Levels, Pulse Oximeters, and COVID-19"
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
A pulse oximeter can't diagnose COVID-19, but it can help you monitor your symptoms.
Image Credit: microgen/iStock/GettyImages
Image Credit: microgen/iStock/GettyImages
Get tips on how to stay healthy, safe and sane during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
“A normal pulse oximeter reading (SpO2) should be at least 95 percent," says Avisheh Forouzesh, MD, board-certified infectious disease specialist at Advanced Infectious Disease Medical in Hoboken, New Jersey. “Some patients with certain medical conditions such as COPD may have low baseline pulse oximeter levels, such as 90 percent.” If you get a reading that’s low for you, it’s best to contact your doctor.
If you get a reading that’s low for you, it’s best to contact your doctor.
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There are now apps on your phone that you can use that will take your oxygen level when you hold your finger up to the camera. These have not yet been well-vetted and may not be as accurate. For now, it’s best to purchase the actual pulse oximeter device.
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Johns Hopkins Medicine: "Pulse Oximetry" American Thoracic Society: "Pulse Oximetry" U.S. Food & Drug Administration: "Pulse Oximeters and Oxygen Concentrators: What to Know About At-Home Oxygen Therapy" Minnesota Department of Health: "Oxygen Levels, Pulse Oximeters, and COVID-19"
