How to Read Pulse Oximeter?

• 10 Aug 2022

How to Read Pulse Oximeter?

Pulse oximetry is a quick and easy way to determine how well oxygen is being sent from the heart and lungs out to the furthest parts of the body, which can help determine if your heart and lungs are functioning properly. Pulse oximeters can be used to gauge warning signs for chronic lung or heart conditions and may help determine whether you should seek medical attention and for medical attention for recent coronavirus infection.

It’s important to know your oxygen saturation level if you have a health condition that affects how much oxygen is in your blood. When your blood oxygen level is low, the cells and tissues of your body have less oxygen. This can negatively impact all your bodily functions. It can also put a strain on your heart and your brain

Here’s what you need to know about what exactly a pulse oximeter measures, how it works, and how you can use it properly.

What Does A Pulse Oximeter Measure?

A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of your blood. Essentially, this percentage is a calculation of how much oxygen is in the blood, with 100% being ‘fully saturated’ and the optimal level..

And while this simple non-invasive medical tool is available over the counter in many pharmacies and online stores, it’s not necessary for most people. “Unless you have a chronic heart or lung condition that affects your oxygen saturation on a regular basis, most individuals don’t need one in their home”..

Those with lung or heart conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure may be prescribed home oxygen therapy by their doctor and a pulse oximeter can help them to monitor whether the use of oxygen at home is improving their condition or not.

Normal Pulse Rate

Infant ( 1 Month – 1Year) : 100 -190

Toddler (1 Year to 2 Years) : 98 – 140

Pre-School ( 3Years to 5Years) : 80 – 120

6Years to 11Years : 75 – 118

12Years and above : 60 – 100

Athlete : 40 – 60

PI Value in Oximeter

Perfusion Index or PI is the ratio of the pulsatile blood flow to the non-pulsatile static blood flow in a patient’s peripheral tissue, such as a fingertip, toe, or ear lobe. Perfusion index is an indication of the pulse strength at the sensor site. The PI’s values range from 0.02% for the very weak pulse to 20% for an extremely strong pulse. The perfusion index varies depending on patients, physiological conditions, and monitoring sites. Because of this variability, each patient should establish his own “normal” perfusion index for a given location and use this for monitoring purposes.

Perfusion index is normally monitored with pulse oximeters. PI is also a good indicator of the reliability of the pulse oximeter reading. For most pulse oximeters for general use, the reading is unreliable or unavailable if PI is at or below 0.4%. Most people that use an oximeter at home would not need a perfusion index indicator because they are considered to be in generally good health.