What Are Good Readings on a Pulse Oximeter
How to use a Pulse Oximeter at home
Why have I been told to use a pulse oximeter?
You lot may have been told by your doctor to apply a pulse oximeter considering y'all are recovering from COVID-xix, or because you are a patient who is at higher risk of suffering with COVID-19. Using a pulse oximeter is a good mode of making sure your breathing levels aren't worsening.
What does a pulse oximeter practise?
It measures how fast your centre is beating besides every bit checking how well you are animate, it does this by checking how much oxygen is in your claret.
An ideal oxygen level is betwixt 96% and 99% and an ideal heart rate is between fifty and 90 beats per minute (bpm).
The oxygen level may exist lower in some people with lung conditions, even when they are feeling well. If y'all have an existing lung condition, please check with your doctor about what your readings should be.
To view guidance in a language that isn't English, please click here.
How to use a pulse oximeter
Follow these steps to make certain the pulse oximeter gives the correct reading:
- Remove any blast polish or false nails.
- Warm your hand.
- Brand sure you have been resting for at to the lowest degree v minutes before taking the reading.
- Rest your manus on your chest at the level of your heart and hold it however.
- Switch the pulse oximeter on and place information technology on your finger. Information technology works all-time on your middle or index finger of either hand, it should not be used on your ear.
- The reading takes fourth dimension to steady. Keep the pulse oximeter in place for at to the lowest degree a infinitesimal, or longer if the reading keeps changing.
- Tape the highest result once the reading has not changed for five seconds.
- Be careful to identify which reading is your heart rate and which is your oxygen level.
The all-time fashion to track your heart rate and oxygen level is by taking a reading three times a twenty-four hour period at the same time every day and keeping a diary of each reading.
Download a measurement diary past clicking hither.
If yous are recovering from COVID-19 and need advice on self-isolation and treating COVID-nineteen symptoms, please visit the NHS website.
The video below will have you through the steps of how to use your pulse oximeter:
What to practise if you lot experience any of the following symptoms
Attend your nearest A&E or call 999 immediately if you take one or more of the post-obit symptoms and tell the operator you may take coronavirus:
- Yous areunable to complete short sentences when at rest due to breathlessness
- Yourbreathing of a sudden worsens inside an hour
- Your blood oxygen level is92% or less.Check your claret oxygen level again straight away – if it's still 92% or beneath, go to A&E immediately or telephone call 999
OR if these more full general signs of illness worsen:
- you are coughing up blood
- you feel cold and sweaty with pale or blotchy skin
- yous develop a rash that does not fade when you roll a drinking drinking glass over information technology
- yous plummet or faint
- y'all get agitated, confused or very drowsy
- you have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual.
If you have your pulse oximeter, delight give the oxygen saturation reading to the 999 operator when you lot speak to them.
Ring 111 as soon equally possibleif yous accept one or more of the following and tell the operator you may have coronavirus:
- You slowly first feelingmore unwell or more breathless
- Yous are having difficulty breathing when getting up to go to the toilet or like
- If you use the pulse oximeter, your blood oxygen level is 94% or 93% when sitting or lying downwardlyand remains at this level afterward being rechecked within an hour
- You sense that something is wrong (general weakness, astringent tiredness, loss of appetite, reduced urine output, unable to intendance for yourself – simple tasks like washing and dressing or making nutrient)
If your claret oxygen level is unremarkably below 95% but it drops below your normal level, call 111 for advice. Have your diary readings available.
Page final updated: 29th April 2021
Source: https://www.ridgmountpractice.nhs.uk/pulse-oximeters
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