Pulse oximetry is a test that is done to measure the oxygen level in the blood, and it helps to determine how well oxygen is sent to different parts of the body. This test is an easy and painless procedure. The normal level of oxygen is 95% or higher. The SpO2 measurement on a pulse oximeter shows the percentage of oxygen present in the blood.
All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.
My daughter's pulse oximeter's reading is fluctuating rapidly. Is this normal?
Query: Hello doctor, My 9-year-old daughter has symptoms of a viral infection (low fever, sore throat, stuffy nose). When she went to sleep, I checked her blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter. Her blood oxygen level is normal, but her pulse fluctuates from 69 to 98 pretty quickly. Is this normal? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. Usually, heart rate is higher in children below 12 years. When a person has a fever, the heart rate increases and this fluctuation can also be seen. Fluctuation can also occur because the pulse oximeter sensor cannot sometimes stabilize... Read Full »
A male suffers from excessive sleep and muscle spasms. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, This is regarding a male aged 48 with high blood pressure, diabetes, sleep apnea, and overweight. He has muscle spasms or shakes, drops things because of this, and cannot stay awake during the day. It affects his driving and family life. He can nap for a few hours and when he gets up ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. It is clear that he has obstructive sleep apnea which causes interrupted sleep during the night due to obstruction of the nasopharyngeal air flow. As a consequence, he becomes sleepy in the daytime. Confirmation of the diagnosis requires: Polysomnography. Over the... Read Full »
Why did my father’s doctor ask to use pulse oximetry on him?
Query: Hello doctor,My father is diabetic and was diagnosed with COVID-19. The doctor asked me to use a pulse oximeter to check his oxygen levels. Why does a COVID-19 patient need a pulse oximeter? What is the normal pulse oximeter range, and how should I use it? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. A pulse oximeter helps check blood oxygen levels. COVID-19 patients develop hypoxia when the infection is severe and damages the lungs. We need a pulse oximeter to check the patient's hypoxia or oxygen levels. The normal range of oxygen s... Read Full »
My oxygen level is 88 percent, and my pulse rate is 70 bpm. Kindly help.
Query: Hello doctor, My oxygen level is 88 percent on an oximeter, and my pulse rate is 70 bpm. Should I be worried? Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. I have read your query and understand your concern. Is your pulse oximeter working properly? Do you have symptoms like breathing difficulty, chest pain, or fever? Do you have any medical conditions? I suggest you to walk a few steps in the roo... Read Full »
Is it necessary to check oxygen saturation in a dyspnea patient?
Query: Hello doctor, Is it necessary to check oxygen saturation if the patient is on oxygen for shortness of breath? Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. As you said that patient needs oxygen for shortness of breath, it is absolutely not required to measure the oxygen saturation all the time. But, if dyspnea (shortness of breath) is due to COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) that is due to excessive smoking,... Read Full »
What factors affect pulse oximeter reading?
Query: Hi doctor, Recently, we bought an oximeter. It shows readings well for four peoples in our house. But it struggles to show reading for my father. He has fluctuation in his heart rate varying from normal to low. His blood pressure reading is fine. Why? Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. The oximeter works well when the flow rate in the periphery is good. In normal people, it records the pulse and their oxygen saturation will be good. But in some people, when the flow to the fingers and toes is not good, it will not work well. It is common in chroni... Read Full »
Ask a Specialist Now
Get Expert advice/consultation in 3 stepsChat with a Doctor
Starting @ just $59