Introduction
Health monitoring has become one of the most important aspects of our daily lives. As we continue to face unprecedented challenges in the form of the global pandemic, it has become even more critical to keep tabs on our vital signs constantly. One of the most valuable tools for monitoring health is the pulse oximeter. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to read pulse oximeter. Our primary goal is to offer step-by-step guidance that will help you understand the readings, avoid common mistakes, and take preventive action where necessary.
Step-by-Step Guide
Reading pulse oximeter is a straightforward process. You can use it to monitor oxygen saturation and heart rate levels that help gauge the overall health of a person. To begin, attach the device to your finger or earlobe. The pulsating blood flow in the small vessels of the finger or earlobe absorbs a specific amount of light. By analyzing the amount of light absorption, the device determines the oxygen and heart rate readings. We have prepared a step-by-step guide to help you read the pulse oximeter:
Step 1: Clean the Probe Site. Before using the pulse oximeter, ensure that you clean the area on your finger or earlobe with an antiseptic or alcohol wipe. If your fingers are cold, rub them together or soak them in warm water to help with circulation.
Step 2: Place the Probe on your Fingertips or Earlobe. Turn the device on and place the probe on your fingertip or earlobe. Wait for the reading to stabilize, which may take a few seconds. The display will show a percentage, which indicates oxygen saturation levels.
Step 3: Check the Results. Once you have the percentage reading, you can get an idea of your oxygen levels in the blood. The range for normal oxygen saturation levels should be between 95% and 100%. If the reading falls below 90%, seek medical attention immediately.
Step 4: Check Heart Rate. Features of more advanced models include the ability to measure heart rate. Heart rate readings are provided in beats per minute (BPM). A normal resting heart rate should range between 60-100 BPM.
Importance of Monitoring Pulse Oximeter
It is essential to observe the oxygen saturation levels in your blood as they indicate the amount of oxygen your body is receiving. Oxygen is necessary for essential bodily functions like respiration and cell growth. If your oxygen saturation levels fall below the normal range, it can lead to hypoxia, which may have severe consequences like organ damage and even death. Regular monitoring of pulse oximeter readings is, therefore, critical to ensure your overall well-being.
Monitoring pulse oximeter readings is especially important for people with underlying conditions like COPD, asthma, pneumonia, and heart disease. These individuals are prone to hypoxia and need to monitor their oxygen saturation constantly. It is also essential to monitor the oxygen saturation levels of people who have contracted the coronavirus as they are susceptible to breathing difficulties.
Common Mistakes While Reading Pulse Oximeter
Reading pulse oximeter may seem like a straightforward process, but some mistakes can affect the accuracy of the readings. Here are some common mistakes to avoid while reading pulse oximeter:
Mistake #1: Moving while the device is taking readings. Any sudden movement while taking readings can disrupt the reading process. It may also lead to inaccurate readings.
Mistake #2: Wearing Nail Polish. Wearing nail polish can prevent the oximeter from reading oxygen levels accurately. To avoid this, remove any nail polish before using the pulse oximeter.
Mistake #3: Cold Temperature. Cold fingers or muscle tension can cause inaccurate readings. It is essential to warm your hands before taking the readings.
Comparison of Different Methods
The pulse oximeter readings are obtained by placing the device on different body parts like ear lobes, fingers, or toes. Here is a comparative analysis of these methods:
Earlobes: Placing the pulse oximeter on the earlobe offers more accurate readings as the blood flow is constant and less susceptible to moving. Earlobes are also less affected by cold temperatures, which can affect accuracy.
Fingers: Reading pulse oximeter on the fingers is the most common method. It is a non-invasive technique to monitor oxygen saturation and heart rate levels. The readings are relatively reliable, and the device is easy to use. However, the fingers can quickly become cold, which may affect the accuracy of recorded readings.
Toes: Using pulse oximeter on toes is recommended for patients with cold hands or fingers and any ailment that restricts proper blood flow. Placing the device on toes provides more reliable and accurate results than using fingers. It is also preferred in patients with chronic obstruction pulmonary disease (COPD). The only downside is that toes are relatively insensitive, meaning it may be more challenging to obtain readings than the other methods.
Understanding Pulse Oximeter Readings
There are two critical readings taken from the pulse oximeter- pulse rate and oxygen saturation. Here is a detailed explanation of what they mean:
Oxygen Saturation: Oxygen saturation refers to the amount of oxygen in your blood. It should fall between 95%-100%. A reading below 90% calls for immediate medical attention. There are two types of supplementary oxygen that may be prescribed, namely low flow oxygen and high flow oxygen
Pulse Rate: Pulse rate refers to the number of times your heart beats in a minute. It is measured in beats per minute (BPM). A standard adult pulse rate ranges from 60 – 100 beats per minute. Higher rates than this could indicate an underlying health condition such as anemia or thyroid problem.
Troubleshooting
Reading pulse oximeter can be challenging at times as it can give false readings. Here are some of the common problems and solutions that you may face:
Problem #1: Low Battery Life. Always ensure that your device has a full battery before taking readings. Replace old batteries immediately as they can provide inaccurate results.
Problem #2: Loose Probe/Uncalibrated Probe. You can fix this issue by refitting the probe on your finger or earlobe. An improperly placed probe can lead to inaccurate readings. Calibration of the probe is required after regular usage for accurate readings.
Best Practices for Pulse Oximeter Reading
To ensure accurate readings and prevent common mistakes, here are some best practices you should follow:
Practice #1: Cleanliness. Maintain proper hygiene and clean the device and the probe before every use. This will prevent the spreading of germs, dust, and dirt.
Practice #2: Stillness. Keep still while taking the readings as any movement can affect the accuracy of the readings.
Practice #3: Warmth. Maintain optimal warmth to ensure blood flow and avoid inaccurate readings due to cold hands or fingers.
Conclusion
Reading pulse oximeter is essential to monitor oxygen saturation and heart rate levels in determining overall health. Our comprehensive guide on how to read pulse oximeter has provided step-by-step guidance, importance of monitoring pulse oximeter, common mistakes to avoid, and troubleshooting. We hope this guide helps you understand the importance of pulse oximeter readings and encourages you to take preventive action for a healthy lifestyle.
