Each Breath Blog
Let’s get a few things straight about pulse oximetry, which seems to be in the news a lot these days. Because knowing only a little bit about pulse oximetry can be misleading. A pulse oximeter measures the level of oxygen saturation in your red blood cells. This handy tool, which is usually clipped to the end of your finger or earlobe, has gained attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential tool to identify hypoxia (low blood oxygen saturation) which is one troubling sign of severe illness caused by COVID-19. So, should everyone make sure they have a pulse oximeter in their medicine cabinet? Not necessarily.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers pulse oximeters to be prescription medical devices, yet most pulse oximeters that are found on the internet or in drug stores are specifically labeled “not for medical use” and have not been reviewed by the FDA for accuracy. And when we’re talking about the purpose behind purchasing a pulse oximeter during, and specifically for, the pandemic—accuracy matters. Yet we’ve seen an upcropping of opportunistic manufacturers selling pulse oximeters as a medicine cabinet staple.
Normal pulse oximeter readings range from 95 to 98% for an adult. If you see 92 or less, it’s time to make an appointment. You can google “pulse oximeter readings normal chart” for details. Oximeters work by searching for oxygen-carrying hemoglobin molecules with the help of light waves that it emits.
We saw something similar happen with hand sanitizer when the pandemic first began. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is clear that washing your hands with soapy water is best, they suggest using hand sanitizer as a reliable option when a sink isn’t readily available. As a result, huge amounts of hand sanitizer were sold and nearly every store became out of stock. Seeing the need, many companies began manufacturing and selling hand sanitizer quickly. And it soon became apparent that not all products are created equally, resulting in the FDA coming down hard on poorly made sanitizer solutions. There is now a list of hand sanitizers that consumers are recommended to avoid—either because they are ineffective or even potentially cause harm.
- A normal oxygen level measured by a pulse oximeter is around 97%, unless you have other underlying health problems like COPD. Doctors start to worry when this level drops under 90% because this can affect the amount of oxygen going to your brain and other vital organs.
- Pulse oximetry is a way to measure the amount of oxygen carried by the blood. By using a small device called a pulse oximeter, the level of oxygen in the blood can be monitored without the need to prick with a needle.
Taking a step back, pulse oximeters have been around for 50 years and they are a valuable tool available to patients and providers when collaboratively tracking oxygenation of the blood while treating some chronic lung and heart diseases. They are typically introduced during a medical setting as one tool to use to report back on overall disease management. During the pandemic, they might even be recommended, under the guidance of your healthcare provider, to self-monitor COVID-19 related symptoms.
So, what’s the best way to monitor symptoms? The CDC has developed a helpful coronavirus symptom checker that covers nine life-threatening symptoms of disease to watch for including chest pain, severe shortness of breath and disorientation. These approaches to assessing how a person feels and acts, and then providing guidance on next steps such as seeking emergency care, calling your healthcare provider or continuing to monitor symptoms help guide individuals through a collaborative treatment process.
And remember, we don’t yet have a vaccine nor a targeted treatment for COVID-19. The best course of action you can take to protect the health of yourself, your family and your community is to prevent the spread of the disease by washing your hands, wearing a mask, social distancing and staying home as much as you are able - especially if you are feeling unwell or were around someone who had COVID-19.
Our takeaway message? A pulse oximeter may be a recommended tool to use under the guidance of your healthcare provider to monitor symptoms, but it should not be relied upon without medical oversight, nor without paying heed to other signs and symptoms of illness.
Normal Pulse Oximeter Levels
Blog last updated: November 2, 2020
Normal Pulse Oximeter Rate
The interpretation of oxygen saturation monitor or pulse oximeter readings is a comparison of test results to the normal expected range. Analyzing the results requires an understanding of how these machines work and what each number signifies. It's important to note the “normal range” used for comparison may be inadequate to assess an individual’s health. Additionally, interpreting the results should account for inaccuracies in testing that may occur for a variety of reasons.
Understanding how each machine works assists the user in accurate interpretation. The classic oximetry device has a clip or wraparound feature that is placed on a finger or toe. A small box produces the reading. Portable sat monitors may show the measurements directly on the clip.
Pulse or beats per minute (BPM) and oxygen saturation level, which is sometimes abbreviated as SPO2 or SAT, are the two measurements a pulse oximeter takes. These can be compared to “normal” oximeter readings in the population. Usual sats are between 96-99%. BPM varies by age: infants are between 120-150, children from one to five years are 80-150; and from ages six to 12 anything between 60-120 is normal. Adolescents might have a pulse between 60-105 and adults typically have a BPM of 60-80.
The two pulse readings should be indicated separately. The easiest to read machines are marked with BPM and SPO2 or SAT. If a device is not clearly marked, consult the manual to verify which number corresponds to each measurement.
When the test is performed, which takes a minute to several minutes depending on the device, the pulse oximeter should produce a BPM and saturation reading. While this can be compared to normal range, it isn’t always useful. An individual’s health circumstances can greatly change the average expectations.
For example, oximeter readings of oxygen saturation could vary in people with lung disease or cardiac defects. Some children have readings in the low 80s, due to unrepaired heart anomalies. This is considered normal for these children, while it indicates dire circumstances for someone in good health. Alternately, athletes might have a pulse below 60 BPM, which isn’t indicative of any problems.
In most cases, regular pulse oximetry monitoring is advised for ill people. This means a physician defines the safe and acceptable range of oximeter readings. Interpretation is then based on the doctor’s guidelines, instead of using “norms” to read the test.
Single oximeter readings aren’t always reliable. It’s important not to panic if an individual has an abnormal result, especially if that person is not in distress. Movement, cold hands, or even fingernail polish can affect accuracy. When a test isn’t producing the right results, re-testing is suggested. Should readings consistently vary from what is expected, getting help is advised.