How to Verify a Pulse Oximeter

A pulse oximeter measures a person's pulse (heart rate) and the amount of oxygen in his blood (saturation). A typical reading might be a pulse of 68 beats per minute and an oxygen saturation of 97 percent. Pulse oximeters are simple to use electronic devices with a sensor that clips onto a fingertip and uses the reflection of light by blood to perform measurements. Many factors such as nail polish or bright lights can cause false readings. To ensure reliability, the user can verify normal operation in addition to running the built-in self test when turning the instrument on.

Things You'll Need

• Healthy adult with normal, undecorated fingernails
• Testing room without bright lights or medical equipment operating nearby
• Comparison heart rate data source such as a blood pressure monitor or nurse
• Fresh or recharged batteries in the pulse oximeter

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Instructions

• 1

  Perform a visual inspection of the unit for physical damage, sensor or cable wear, and battery or battery compartment problems.

• 2

  Turn on the pulse oximeter unit. Check the illumination of all indicators and the display, and listen for the test sounding of the warning tones.

• 3

  Clip the sensor on the test subject's finger. Make sure the sensor cable is firmly connected to the display unit if the sensor is separate from it.

• 4

  Initiate a test, then wait for and record the SpO2 (oxygen saturation) and pulse results.

• 5

  Measure the test subject's pulse using the comparison method chosen.

• 6

  Compare pulse readings to ensure they are within the appropriate tolerance of plus or minus approximately five beats per minute (usually about 2 beats per minute or 2 percent for the device, blood pressure cuff tolerance is typically 5 percent).

• 7

  Verify that the healthy subject's oxygen saturation (SpO2) reading is within the appropriate range (usually 94 to 99 percent).