Pulse Oximetry: Purpose, Uses, and How to Take a Reading
A pulse oximeter measures your blood oxygen levels and pulse. A low level of oxygen saturation may occur if you have certain health conditions. Your skin tone may also affect your reading.
It can rapidly detect even small changes in oxygen levels.
These levels show how efficiently blood is carrying oxygen to the extremities furthest from your heart, including your arms and legs.
Pulse oximetry is a noninvasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level of your blood.
Purpose and uses
The purpose of pulse oximetry is to see if your blood is well oxygenated.
• asthma
• pneumonia
• anemia
• heart attack or heart failure
• congenital heart disease