Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Have you experienced shortness of breath or have a known lung or heart condition, and your doctor recommends using a pulse oximeter? Are you curious about pulse oximeters and their crucial role in assessing your blood oxygen levels and pulse? Let's dive into pulse oximetry to understand its significance for your health.
What is pulse oximetry, and how does it work?
Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive test to measure your blood's oxygen saturation level and pulse. It can rapidly detect subtle changes in blood oxygen levels, indicating how effectively your blood carries oxygen to your limbs. The device utilizes a cold light that shines through the fingertip, creating a red appearance. The device determines the oxygen percentage in red blood cells by analyzing the light passing through the finger.
What are the specific reasons doctors use pulse oximetry?
Doctors use pulse oximetry to evaluate the effectiveness of lung medications, assess the need for respiratory assistance, monitor oxygen levels during surgical procedures, determine the necessity for supplemental oxygen therapy, and assess a patient's ability to tolerate increased physical activity, among other reasons.
Some common types of medications where pulse oximetry might be used to monitor their effectiveness include:
Bronchodilators: Used to relax muscles around the airways. These are commonly used in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Examples include albuterol and ipratropium.
Steroids: Inhaled steroids help reduce inflammation in the airways, improving breathing. Examples include fluticasone and budesonide.
Oxygen Therapy: For patients with severe chronic lung conditions, supplemental oxygen is often prescribed. Pulse oximetry is crucial in determining the appropriate level of supplemental oxygen.
Antibiotics: In cases of bacterial lung infections, antibiotics are prescribed. Pulse oximetry can help monitor the improvement in lung function as the infection is treated.
Diuretics: In cases of pulmonary edema, where excess fluid in the lungs hinders oxygen exchange, diuretics such as furosemide (Lasix) or hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) may be used. Their effectiveness can be partially assessed by improvements in oxygen saturation.
Combination Inhalers: These often contain a mix of steroids and bronchodilators, or bronchodilators of different classes, and are used in conditions like COPD and severe asthma. Some examples of combination inhalers include Fluticasone and Salmeterol (Advair Diskus, Advair HFA) or Budesonide and Formoterol (Symbicort).
Biologics: Used in specific types of severe asthma, these newer medications target specific pathways in the immune system and their effect on lung function can be monitored through pulse oximetry.
Antifibrotic agents: For diseases like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, these drugs slow the progression of lung scarring, and improvements may be reflected in oxygen saturation levels.
Where can you attach a pulse oximeter, and is it reusable?
Where can you attach a pulse oximeter? It can be connected to various body parts such as fingers, forehead, nose, foot, ears, or toes. Surprisingly versatile, right? And here's the scoop – depending on the setting, the device may be reusable or disposable. However, please consult your healthcare provider before disposing of it at home, as these devices can be expensive.
How can you take a reading with a pulse oximeter?
Taking a reading with a pulse oximeter is a straightforward process: 1.Remove any jewelry or polish on the finger or toe if measuring from there. 2.If attaching the device to the finger, ensure your hand is warm, relaxed, and positioned below heart level. 3.Place the device on your finger, earlobe, or toe. 4.Keep the device on for the required monitoring period. 5.Remove the device once the test is completed.
What do the results signify?
The typical oxygen saturation level (SpO2) for a healthy person is usually between 95% and 100%. This indicates that a high percentage of the hemoglobin in the red blood cells is carrying oxygen. It's important to note that SpO2 values can slightly vary based on individual factors and the method of measurement. A 92 percent or lower level may indicate potential hypoxemia, a significantly low oxygen level in the blood.
What factors can affect the accuracy of the result?
In February 2021, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an alert regarding pulse oximeter limitations. Poor circulation, dark skin pigmentation, thick skin, tobacco use, cool skin temperature, or wearing dark nail polish can affect its accuracy. Knowing these limitations is crucial, as relying solely on pulse oximeter readings may not provide an accurate assessment of your health.
What happens after a pulse oximetry test, and what do the readings mean?
After the test, your doctor will immediately access the readings, helping them determine if further testing or treatment is necessary. If you're using pulse oximetry at home, your doctor will guide you on how often to take readings and what actions to take if levels deviate from the norm. Pulse oximetry provides valuable insights into blood oxygen levels, aiding in managing various health conditions. Regular monitoring, especially under the guidance of healthcare professionals, ensures the effective use of this diagnostic tool. Stay informed, stay healthy!
Do I need a prescription to buy a pulse oximetry?
No, you do not need a prescription to buy a pulse oximeter. These devices are available over-the-counter at various pharmacies such as CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid, medical supply stores, and online retailers. While a prescription is not needed to purchase a pulse oximeter, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional regarding its use, especially in understanding how to interpret the readings correctly and when medical consultation is necessary based on those readings.
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