The Accuracy and Reliability of Pulse Oximeters

Pulse Oximeters offer the ability to measure pulse rates and blood oxygen levels and some even offer the ability to measure carbon monoxide levels. These measurements can be strong indicators of many different health issues and of the standard of our levels of health. Given the importance of the measurements provided, we need to be able to rely on the accuracy and reliability of the results. 

Causes of inaccurate readings

There are some instances which can cause a finger pulse oximeter to produce inaccurate or even no readings at all. These include excessive movement while the oximeter is attached, vibrations, wearing nail polish, calloused skin, anemia, cold limbs, and the presence of carbon monoxide. A key means of measuring the accuracy of your pulse oximeter results is to measure your pulse rate manually and compare the results. Even if your device is showing a normal result, you should still compare this with a manual pulse rate just to be sure. Of course, if the sensor is not correctly applied, an inaccurate reading may also be produced.

How to get an accurate reading

To ensure an accurate reading from a finger Pulse Oximeter, you must do the following - rest your hand at chest level in line with your heart, with the finger to which the device is attached to pointing in the air and stay like this until a reading has been obtained. Ensure that the light does not reach the detector other than through your skin tissue. Ensure that your finger is fully inserted into the device and that the device is attached securely and correctly. If you struggle to get a reading, try to warm up your finger or apply a topical cream. Failing that, you may want to attach a pulse ox to a different area of the body such as the bridge of your nose or your earlobe.

Pulse Oximeters for Everyday Life

Pulse Oximeters are a medical device that have become as readily available to purchase as thermometers. Whereas previously you may only have seen these small devices in your doctor’s office, now they are quickly making their way into people’s homes. Many people use personal pulse oximeters in their everyday life. But they are only for heart patients right? Wrong! There are several reasons why you would and indeed should use a pulse oximeter in your day to day life. Here are just three top reasons why:

1. Monitor Effects of Exercise

The only way that you can truly measure whether your workout is effective is by checking your heart rate. If your heart rate measurement taken when you are in the middle of training or exercising is similar to your resting heart rate measurement, you are not working hard enough. On the other hand, you can also use the pulse rate measurement from your portable pulse oximeter to measure the safety of your workout. As an adult, your heart rate should not exceed 100 beats per minute when working out, or you are putting your body in danger.

2. Ensure Optimum Brain Functioning

Our brains require a healthy level of blood oxygen of between 95% and 99% to function at their best. If your blood oxygen levels fall below this level, your brain function will not be performing at an optimum level. Concentration and memory levels may suffer as a result and your ability to go about your daily life suffers too.

3. Prevent Heart Problems

The harder our hearts have to work, the more susceptible they are to falling victim to diseases later in life. Our hearts are our most vital organ and so it is important that they are kept in good shape. A very simple way of checking your heart health is to regularly monitor your pulse rate. If the result displayed on your Pulse Ox is outside of the normal range (60-100 for adults), you need to speak to a doctor and nip the issue in the bud as soon as possible.