The latest Apple Watch, Withings smartwatch and Fitbit tracker all have SpO2 readings-combining this biometric identification with many characteristics such as stress level and sleep quality can help users keep track of their health.
But do we all need to care about our blood oxygen levels? Probably not. But, like most health-oriented lifestyle changes caused by Covid-19, there may be no harm in knowing this.
Here, we are studying what is a pulse oximeter, why it is useful, how it works and where to buy it.
We strongly recommend that you talk to your healthcare professional before deciding whether to buy one or whether it is right for you.
Before large technology companies release blood oxygen readings to the public through ave’s gadgets, it is mainly you want to see this kind of thing in hospitals and medical places.
The pulse oximeter first appeared in the 1930s. It is a small, painless and non-invasive medical device that can be clamped on a finger (or toe or earlobe) and uses infrared light to measure blood oxygen levels.
This reading can help healthcare professionals understand how the patient’s blood is transporting oxygen from the heart to other parts of the body, and whether more oxygen is needed.
After all, it is useful to know the amount of oxygen in the blood. People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma or pneumonia will need frequent readings to ensure their oxygen levels remain healthy and to understand whether medications or treatments are effective.
Although the oximeter is not a substitute for testing, it can also indicate whether you have Covid-19.
Normally, blood oxygen levels should be maintained between 95% and 100%. Letting it fall below 92% may cause hypoxia-which means hypoxia in the blood.
Since the Covid-19 virus attacks the human lungs and causes inflammation and pneumonia, it is likely to disrupt the flow of oxygen. In this case, even before the patient even begins to show more obvious symptoms (such as fever or shortness of breath), the oximeter may be a useful tool for detecting Covid-related hypoxia.
This is why the NHS purchased 200,000 pulse oximeters last year. This move is part of the plan, which has the potential to detect the virus and prevent the worsening of severe symptoms in high-risk groups. This will also help to detect “silent hypoxia” or “happy hypoxia”, in which the patient shows no obvious signs of a drop in oxygen levels. Learn more about the NHS’s Covid Spo2@home program.
Of course, to know if your blood is below normal, you need to know your normal oxygen level. This is where oxygen monitoring becomes useful.
The NHS self-isolation guidelines recommend that if your “blood oxygen level is 94% or 93% or continues to be below the usual reading of normal oxygen saturation below 95%”, call 111. If the reading is equal to or less than 92%, the guide recommends calling the nearest A&E or 999.
Although a lower oxygen content does not necessarily mean that it is Covid, it may indicate other potentially dangerous health complications.
The oximeter irradiates infrared light onto your skin. Oxygenated blood is brighter red than blood without oxygen.
The oximeter can basically measure the difference in light absorption. Red blood vessels will reflect more red light, while darker reds will absorb red light.
Apple Watch 6, Fitbit Sense, Fitbit Versa 3 and Withings ScanWatch can all measure SpO2 levels. See the complete guide on the best Apple Watch 6 deals and the best Fitbit deals.
You can also find a standalone pulse oximeter on Amazon, although make sure you buy a CE-rated medically certified device.
High street stores such as Boots offer Kinetik Wellbeing finger pulse oximeters for £30. View all options in Boots.
At the same time, Lloyd’s Pharmacy has an Aquarius finger pulse oximeter, which costs £29.95. Purchase all oximeters at Lloyds Pharmacy.
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Somrata researches the best technical transactions to help you make informed buying decisions. She is an expert in accessories and reviews various technologies.
Post time: Feb-02-2021