Oximetry is a procedure for measuring the concentration of oxygen in the blood. The test is used in the evaluation of various medical conditions that affect the function of the heart and lungs.

This is done using an oximeter, a photoelectric device specially designed for this purpose. A reusable probe can be placed on the finger or a single-use tape probe is placed on the earlobe or finger.

A pulse oximeter works by passing a beam of red and infrared light through a pulsating capillary bed. The ratio of red to infrared blood light transmitted gives a measure of the oxygen saturation of the blood. The oximeter works on the principle that the oxygenated blood is a brighter color of red than the deoxygenated blood, which is more blue-purple. First, the oximeter measures the sum of the intensity of both shades of red, representing the fractions of the blood with and without oxygen. The oximeter detects the pulse and then subtracts the intensity of color detected when the pulse is absent. The remaining intensity of color represents only the oxygenated red blood. This is displayed on the electronic screen as a percentage of oxygen saturation in the blood.

Yes. Oximetry can also be done on blood that is within the heart (intracardiac oximetry) or on whole blood that has been removed from the body. More recently, using a similar technology to oximetry, carbon dioxide levels can be measured at the skin as well.

Oxygen Levels, Pulse Oximeters and COVID-19

How does COVID-19 lower a person’s oxygen levels?Some people with COVID-19 have low levels of oxygen in their blood, even when they feel well. Low oxygen levels can be an early warning sign that medical care is needed.What is a pulse oximeter?A pulse oximeter measures how much oxygen is in someone’s blood. It is a small device that clips onto a finger, or another part of the body such as a toe or ear lobe. They are used often in hospitals and clinics and can be bought to use at home. A pulse oximeter reading will have 2 numbers, the pulse rate (or heart rate) and the “SpO2” or percentage of oxygen in the blood.Medical providers consider oxygen level an important sign of how well a body is working, just like a person’s blood pressure or body temperature. People who have a lung or heart condition may use a pulse oximeter at home to check how they are doing, as directed by their health care provider. People can buy pulse oximeters without a prescription at some pharmacies and stores.Can a pulse oximeter tell if someone has COVID-19 or how well they are doing if they have it?We do not recommend using a pulse oximeter to tell if someone has COVID-19. Most people with COVID-19 infections will have normal pulse oximeter readings. Get tested if you have signs of COVID-19 or if you have been close to someone who has it.If someone has COVID-19, a pulse oximeter may help them keep watch over their health and know if they need to seek medical care. However, the oxygen level measured by a pulse oximeter is not the only way to know how sick someone is. Some people may be very sick and have good oxygen levels, and some may feel OK, but have surprisingly poor oxygen levels.Pulse oximetry results may not be as accurate for people with darker skin. Their oxygen levels are sometimes registered by the pulse oximeter as higher (or better) than they really are. People who use pulse oximeters at home should keep this in mind when looking at results. Knowing what their normal baseline pulse oximeter reading and noticing a drop in their reading, even if still in the normal range, may be significant for someone with darker skin. Symptoms of low oxygen levels may include feeling short of breath, breathing faster than usual, or feeling too sick to do their usual daily activities. You should call a health care provider if you have these symptoms, even if a pulse oximeter says your oxygen levels are normal.

What are normal readings?A normal level of oxygen is usually 95% or higher. Some people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea may have normal levels around 90%. The “SpO2” reading on a pulse oximeter shows the percentage of oxygen in someone’s blood.If your home SpO2 reading is lower than 95%, call your health care

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