What Does a Pulse Ox Measure?

Pulse ox machines, or pulse oximeters, are widely used in health care settings. The oximetry machine read oxygen levels and is able to measure breathing.

Function

• A pulse ox machine measures the percentage of oxygen in arterial blood.

Use

• The machine is placed over a finger or earlobe. The machine shines two beams of light that detect the color of blood in an artery. The color determines how much oxygen is saturating the blood.

Requirements

• The machine must detect a strong pulse.

Limitations

• Limitations include finger nail polish, movement and burned areas on the fingers.

Development

• The pulse ox device was first developed in Germany during the 1930s.

Significance

• Pulse ox machines are used in any hospital, subacute or home setting where breathing needs to be monitored. Adults, children and infants are able to use pulse ox machines.