How to Measure the Oxygen Saturation Level without an Oximeter

Your red blood cells have the task of carrying oxygen throughout your arteries and organs. If you suffer from a medical condition such as lung disease, your oxygen saturation levels will decrease. A pulse oximeter is one way to measure your oxygen levels, but this method isn't always accurate. An arterial blood gas test is more accurate, yet requires the drawing of blood from an artery on your body.

Instructions

• 1

  Tell your physician if you're taking blood thinners or if you're currently on oxygen. Your physician may want to turn your oxygen off 20 minutes prior to the test, as indicated by the University of Michigan Health System.

• 2

  Allow your technician to perform the Allen test, which involves stopping blood flow in the arteries in your wrist, according to the University of Michigan Health System. If your hand turns pale and remains pale, blood will be drawn from another artery on your body.

• 3

  Ask your technician to numb the needle site with a numbing anesthesia. Allow your blood to be drawn. It may take more than one attempt to have your blood drawn.

• 4

  Keep a bandage on your puncture site.

  Hold a cotton ball over your puncture site and apply firm pressure until bleeding subsides. A bandage should then be placed over the site by your technician.