The ABCs of Pulse Oximetry

The use of pulse oximetry at home has expanded over the past 20 years as the population ages and the incidence of respiratory and cardiac diseases increases. A pulse oximeter is a noninvasive prescription medical device used for measuring a patient’s oxygen level (SpO2) in the blood and pulse rate. These are important vital signs to provide feedback on a patient’s health status; accurate readings are crucial. Selfmonitoring using pulse oximetry enables patients with conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, congestive heart failure (CHF) and those on long-term oxygen therapy to more actively manage their day-to-day conditions.

Home pulse oximetry monitoring also helps caregivers or clinicians determine if the therapeutic goals are being met. Pulse oximetry monitoring and spot-checking
from home can save time, anxiety and doctors’ visits, and, in general, helps patients with respiratory disease live an active and independent lifestyle1. Home pulse oximetry will play an even more important role in remote clinical decision making and potentially improve patient outcomes as the population continues to age and live independently. The following are five things every HME provider should know about oximetry.

How Does Pulse Oximetry Work?

A pulse oximeter, usually attached to the finger, shines two separate light beams into the blood circulating in the small vessels, i.e., capillaries. These light beams reflect the amount of oxygen in the blood, expressed as a percentage, along with the pulse rate. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) measures how much oxygen the blood is carrying.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter can provide objective information about health care status to the patient or health care provider. Having impartial data to reference in addition to the patient’s subjective feedback (e.g. symptoms) may help the caregiver determine health condition and the possible need for medical consultation or intervention.

Additionally, finger oximeters can be used during a clinician-prescribed exercise routine to provide instant and accurate readings. If individuals are able to stay well-oxygenated while moving, pulse rates are less likely to reach excessively high levels, and the patient should be able to complete activities more comfortably.