Finger pulse oximeters are usually found at doctors’ offices and hospitals, but what you may not know is that you can also buy one to use at home. There are several different brands and designs available so that you can easily check your blood oxygen saturation levels from the comfort of your home. Show
While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a renewed interest in pulse oximeters for home use, there are many other reasons why you might consider investing in your own device to have on hand. For example, conditions like hypoxemia can result in low blood oxygen levels, and having a finger pulse oximeter at home could provide better peace of mind. If you’re thinking about purchasing an at-home finger pulse oximeter, it’s important to discuss with your doctor when you should use it, how to interpret the results, and when to seek medical care. Finding the right device for your needs may take some time, and you may be wondering what the difference is between all of these different devices. So, to help make your search a little easier, we’ve compiled our top picks of the eight best finger pulse oximeters so you can start tracking your levels quickly and easily from home.
Pulse oximeters are most commonly worn on your finger and are completely painless to use. These devices have light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, on the inside of the probe that can send small beams of light through your finger to track the amount of oxygen in your blood. The light shines through the tissues of your fingertip, and the sensor on the other side picks up the light that comes through. Finger pulse oximeters can then measure how much light comes through your finger to estimate how many of your red blood cells are carrying oxygen. This type of reading is called oxygen saturation, or SpO2, and the results display as a percentage. Readings should typically fall between 95 and 100 percent, with readings at 92 percent or below potentially indicating that there isn’t enough oxygen in your blood. If your finger pulse oximeter reading is below 90 percent, try testing again — in case there was a testing error — or consider contacting your doctor. The American Lung Association also says that your oxygen saturation level should be over 90 to 92 percent. Checking that your oxygen saturation level is above the recommended level can help you determine whether you need to seek emergency medical attention. Such cases may be brought on by acute illnesses, like pneumonia, or flare-ups of chronic conditions, like asthma. Oximeters may also be useful for extreme sports. Signs of low blood oxygen levels Here, we focused on over-the-counter (OTC) oximeters made to be used at home and by people who aren’t healthcare professionals. Keep in mind that these consumer devices aren’t reviewed and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as prescription pulse oximeters. They’re meant for spot checks and are designed to be smaller, cheaper, and easier to use. Some may also have special features that suit your day-to-day needs. Overall, we chose the best finger pulse oximeters based on:
Pricing guideGeneral price ranges with dollar signs ($ to $$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Best for multiple display optionsInnovo Premium iP900BP Pulse Oximeter
This finger pulse oximeter has a few more display options and features than other finger pulse oximeters on the list. One such feature is a waveform display, which lets you see a visual representation of your heartbeat and blood flow. It also includes a perfusion index (a number that shows the strength of your pulse) so that you will know if you need to adjust the placement of the probe to get the most accurate oxygen saturation reading. This pulse oximeter also has a multidirectional display that can rotate in six different directions and display at 10 different brightness levels to help with readability. A few customers did note that this device may not be suitable for users with small or large fingers. Best for ease of useWalgreens Pulse Oximeter
This portable fingertip pulse oximeter comes in bright yellow, so it’s easier to spot around the house. It has more than 3,900 ratings on the Walgreens website, with an average of 4.5 stars. This device measures your oxygen saturation level and heart rate, then displays the results on an easy-to-read screen with adjustable brightness. It’s also lightweight, provides one-button operation, and automatically powers off. While easy to use on the go, this may not be the best device for medical purposes, as the manufacturer recommends it for recreational and sports use. Acrylic nails, as well as fingernail polish, may also obscure readings. Best for both children and adultsCVS Health Portable Pulse Oximeter
This pulse oximeter is designed to fit all finger sizes, from kids to adults, and measures your oxygen saturation level and pulse rate. It features internal finger padding and a slip-resistant grip, which can be helpful when trying to get a reading from a squiggly child. This device can also switch off automatically to save battery life and features one-button operation. But a new customer notes experiencing inaccurate results from this particular device. Best for portabilityMetene Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
The Metene Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is lightweight and very portable due to its carrying case with a built-in belt loop, making it easy to take with you all day. Using one button to activate the device, you can measure your blood oxygen saturation level and have a clear reading in about 8 seconds. It also comes equipped with an alarm (and flashing screen) to let you know that your reading was out of range. Two AAA batteries are included along with a lanyard, which is a nice inclusion considering the device’s lower price compared to other finger pulse oximeters on this list. Best for budgetContec CMS50DL Pulse Oximeter – Needs Vetting
If you’re looking for a straightforward finger pulse oximeter that can give you a quick reading at an affordable price, this might be a good choice for you. It measures your oxygen saturation level and features a bar graph that shows your pulse in real-time. Your results are clearly visible on the device’s digital face with numbers that are bright and easy to read. Each reading can be initiated with one quick button press and is designed for low energy consumption so that you can get the most out of your batteries. But make sure to pick up a pack of AAA batteries with this finger pulse oximeter because batteries aren’t included. Best for easy to read resultsChoiceMMed Pulse Oximeter
This finger pulse oximeter is designed to comfortably fit both adults and children with a silicone padding that helps hold the device in place. It measures your oxygen saturation level and heart rate, with easy-to-read results being very clearly shown on the device’s high-definition, OLED display. This oximeter also comes with its own lanyard and carrying case. While customers report that this device is easy to use, a few also noted inaccurate results.
At this time, the most accurate ways to measure blood oxygen levels are through pulse oximeters or arterial blood samples. Speak with your doctor or another healthcare professional for more information on monitoring your blood oxygen levels.
Learn more about how to use a finger pulse oximeter here. How accurate are finger pulse oximeters?At-home devices are designed to be easy to use but may not be as accurate as medical-grade devices. The accuracy of a reading can also depend on the device and whether you’re using it properly. But these at-home devices can give you a good estimate of your blood oxygen saturation levels. In fact, a 2021 study found that while the accuracy of some at-home oximeters fell short of the ISO standards required for clearance by the FDA, they could still accurately rule out the possibility of hypoxemia. According to a 2016 study, some pulse oximeters that are not approved by the FDA can produce large errors (an average of 6.3 percent lower, or 4.3 percent higher, than the actual result) with blood oxygen saturation measurements. What can affect pulse oximetry readings?A pulse oximeter reading is an estimate and may not always be accurate. As the light travels through your fingernail and tissue, several things can affect the accuracy of the SpO2 reading, including:
I have dark skin. Can I still use a pulse oximeter?The short answer is yes. While the FDA has found that pulse oximeters may have a higher risk of inaccurate numbers when used on skin with more pigment, these devices can still help you monitor your health. If you want to monitor your blood oxygen levels, watch for trends in your readings, like if the readings show percentage levels that decrease or drop. There are many finger pulse oximeters available for at-home use, and knowing how you will use the device will help inform your decision. While they may not be 100-percent accurate in their readings, these oximeters could still be a very helpful tool if you’re tracking your blood oxygen level and pulse for exercise or personal use. But if you need to track your blood oxygen levels for medical reasons, consider looking for medical-grade, FDA-approved devices, or talk with your doctor or local pharmacy so they can recommend the most accurate finger pulse oximeters. Which finger is used for oximeter?We assume that right middle finger and right thumb have the most accurate value that reflects the arterial oxygen saturation.
What is the right way to use pulse oximeter?To get the best reading from a pulse oximeter:. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for use.. When placing the oximeter on your finger, make sure your hand is warm, relaxed, and held below the level of the heart. ... . Sit still and do not move the part of your body where the pulse oximeter is located.. Which finger is used for heart rate?Use the tip of your index and third finger to feel the pulse in your radial artery between your wrist bone and the tendon on the thumb side of your wrist.
What is a dangerously low oxygen level?People should contact a health care provider if their oxygen saturation readings drop below 92%, as it may be a sign of hypoxia, a condition in which not enough oxygen reaches the body's tissues. If blood oxygen saturation levels fall to 88% or lower, seek immediate medical attention, says Dr. Lutchmansingh.
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