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What Is Pulse Ox?

"Pulse ox" is a short for pulse oximetry, which involves the amount of oxygen present in the blood. This is measured as a percentage of full oxygen saturation. The device used to measure this is called a pulse oximeter.

  1. Types of Pulse Oximeters

    • Pulse oximeters are small devices that fit over the index finger. Those intended for home use are stand-alone devices with a digital readout. Hospitals use ones connected by a small cable to a larger monitoring network.

    Operation

    • The device shines two beams of light through into the finger, detecting the color of the blood. Since blood changes color based on how oxygenated it is, the oxygen saturation can be calculated.

    Normal Reading

    • Readings can vary depending on the individual and situation, but in general, the reading should be from 95 to 99 percent.

    Importance

    • Oxygen is vital to cell functions, and almost all cells get their oxygen from the blood. A low pulse ox reading is often an indicator of a medical emergency.

    Meaning

    • A low pulse ox reading means that either the lungs are not functioning properly in gathering enough oxygen, such as in emphysema or lung cancer, or that the blood is not functioning in carrying it properly, such as in carbon monoxide poisoning or sickle-cell anemia.

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