How to Use a Finger Pulse Oximeter

There are several different ways of measuring a person's oxygen saturation, or the amount of oxygen carried through the blood. Often in hospitals or other clinical settings, a pulse oximeter is used. Just as medical tools such as the blood pressure cuff has made its way for home use, so has the pulse oximeter. These were designed so that people could use these at home, in a small, and easy to use configuration.

Instructions

• 1

  Explain to the person what you are going to be doing. In a hospital setting this can make them feel more at ease with knowing what will be occurring. In a home or other health care setting, the person will know what to expect.

• 2

  Locate the power button and turn the finger pulse oximeter on.

• 3

  Place a finger, preferably the pointer finger, inside the finger pulse oximeter.

• 4

  Remain still while the pulse oximeter is getting a reading, as movement may disturb or hinder the reading.

• 5

  Read the display. A heart symbol will show what the person's pulse is. The notation of Sp02 will alert you as to what the person's oxygen saturation is.