A finger pulse oximeter is used to measure the level of oxygen in the blood. Hypoxemia refers to low oxygen saturation in the blood. In a hospital the oximeter is the clip device that is attached to the finger. Readings are monitored on a screen by a medical professional. The measurement is non-invasive and painless to obtain. There are even portable versions of the product that can be used by individuals suffering from certain health issues that require them to monitor their breathing or oxygen levels in the blood. The Mayo Clinic explains that low oxygen in the blood can lead to shortness of breath, fatigue and dizziness.
Step 1
Identify the power source for the finger pulse oximeter. Handheld oximeters are typically battery operated. Commercial or hospital-grade devices may plug into an outlet. Once the power source has been identified, turn the oximeter on by pressing the power button. Some devices have a switch that must be pushed to "on."
Step 2
Open the oximeter clip by squeezing it open. This can be done by pressing down on the material opposite the sensor.
Step 3
Slide the pointer finger of the individual being measured into the open clip area of the oximeter. Gently allow the clasp to close on the finger. While the finger pulse oximeter is against the finger, it will shine a red beam and an infrared beam of light through the finger to determine the color of the arterial blood, according to Pulseox.info. Measuring the color of the blood allows the meter to determine the oxygen saturation.
Step 4
Read the results on the screen of the device. If an error appears try the pointer finger on the other hand. A strong pulse is necessary in order for the light beams to see the small change in color of the blood, reports Pulseox.info.
Tips and Warnings
- Instructions may vary for some brands of oximeter. Most operate in a similar manner. The individual being measured should remain still until the reading has been obtained.
- If an individual shows signs of breathing problems, loss of consciousness, or develops a blue tint around the mouth, seek medical attention immediately.
