How to use a pulse oximeter? What do the values mean?

How to use a pulse oximeter? Finger pulse oximeters are used by many people especially after the COVID pandemic. I explain how to correctly use an oximeter to get good reliable readings and possible reasons why you may get errors or inaccurate measurements.
The pulse oximeter only reports the peripheral pulse and oxygen saturation. I recommend keeping your hand relaxed or supported on a surface, putting the pulse oximeter on a warm finger to ensure there is good blood flow and to leave it on for at least a few seconds before noting the values reported.
I also discuss about normal ranges for pulse and oxygen saturation.
Do note that the pulse rate can go up quite a lot especially if you are exercising or doing anything strenuous.
☕ Please consider supporting my work by "buying a coffee" : www.buymeacoff...
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Disclaimers:
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For all viewers/listeners:
The information presented here or in other videos and posts on this channel is not medical advice. These materials reflect general medical knowledge which may not apply to your individual case. If you have health concerns, please see your own doctor or other healthcare provider without delay.
For medical professionals:
You must use your professional judgement when treating your patients. The information presented in this and other videos/posts on this channel is for general medical education only. It may not apply to all patients or clinical scenarios.
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[@edwardb7811]

I just bought a pulse oximeter, which came with no instructions. This video made all the difference in helping me use my new gadget.

[@thewoodys_surf_instrumental]

It would be nice if all doctors explained things the way you do. Great tips and jampacked full of info. Thank you!

[@oluwatobimoses1072]

Ipn

[@bgpapa4178]

I have had blood clots in my lungs (had a severe PE) and have to use one of these devices a lot just to check on how i'm doing. Not only is he correct, but he explains in a way that anyone can understand. good Job from him

[@alexiswatson9815]

Thank you for your clear explanation. It is reaffirming to understand the variations in the numbers.

[@boatman222345]

Heads and shoulders above any video I've ever watched on this subject…better than excellent! Thanks!

[@Fluffimuff]

Thank you for this. I’ve had Atrial Fibrillation for a while, and it helps to have specific instructions for my situation. 😊

[@bobquell2214]

Was going to Google normal oxygen saturation range, thanks to this informative video, now I won't have to. Looking forward to ur future videos.

[@repentantsoul4213]

Thank you for showing me which finger to use. I’d forgotten from when I last had it done on me. Love your accent, very cool. Thanks again. 👍

[@exboyz04]

❤Thank you so so much for this video help. I been having problems reading the device properly. I have also lung disease and infections and irregular heart rate and its very good to now know the information with the results can read very differently. ❤

[@Toucansan61]

Excellent job!

[@phx4closureman]

*Skip to **8:06*

[@LilianeManahan]

Thank you for the clear explanation. Doctor. It was so understandable and clear!

[@reginaldgrisby4385]

Thank you so much I needed this ❤

[@user-vz4rc4jo3j]

Thanks your explanation is understandable, you are explain well thanks so much God bless you

[@K.Lovelace1968]

Thank you for the info.. Mine runs between 92 and 97...

[@youtubeokay5769]

Sounds like it not reading right

[@draganvujcic3248]

Excellent video. 👏

[@set3777]

During peak COVID-19 period, I bought an Oximeter. My granddaugther who always refuses to eat any veggies at had 100% Oxygen Saturation whereas his brother who eats lots of veggies had 97% Oxygen Saturation. Meat eaters are healthier?

[@coeurdalenesowers1237]

what does the PI % mean

[@bloomstix]

Great video!!

[@joseph5304]

he is excellent

[@DontGetItTwisted101]

Thank you.

[@francesco8076]

Una spiegazione perfetta. Grazie

[@anthonym.3608]

Very informative. Thanks!❤

[@willman100]

Thanks. Is it accurate if your laying down or should you be upright?

[@kockyongyap1266]

Thanks for info.

[@susanfitzgerald2443]

Very well explained, thank you! Greetings from sunny South Florida! 🌞

[@claforestrie]

you get a steady reading in two minutes😂❤

[@michellescott8541]

Well explained thanku much appreciated

[@britasarkar6285]

Excellent

[@mamalion3]

Thank you. 🌻

[@catherinechikhodrawala3556]

Helpfull advice.

[@charlottemensah8450]

Thanks

[@MaxPenguine]

Years ago SPO2 lvl was about 98+-. After LC now got range 95-98 but strange thing is oxigen dipping. Usually when try to sleep. It dips to 91,90 and sometime 88... stay for about +- 5 sec. than go back to 95,96,97. If i breathe hard on nose it goes up to 99 and 100 in a sec. no problem. But cant do that non stop ans sleep at same time... Not sure what to check for that and where to go. Is it lungs or heart problem or meds? Some days it's there and some not. Im on propranolol (for POTS like syndrome).

[@nickjoe4506]

Hey man this is my exact condition. After I had pneumothorax, covid and the fly over span of 8 months my stat is 96-99 normal rate, but there will be days in a row at night where I have shortness of breath and am waking up with my o2 stay climbing up from 85 back up to 98. And this repeats usually through the whole night. I just slow down and breathe deeply and o2 clips a but it’s very tiring and worrying. No doctor has been able to help in 2 years

[@MaxPenguine]

@@nickjoe4506 For me things got better over time. It comes back after any flu and some times for no reason. But pass after about a week more or less...

[@feyrie]

Using this to monitor my journey to lower my resting heart rate! Thanks for the informative video!

[@jameshenderson5385]

Thanks doc.

[@melizm7019]

This was so helpful, my fingers are always cold in general and gave me some low stats from what I am use to… low like 95-97 in my mind that’s low 😂 but it went up when I warmed up a bit my finger and did your suggestions.

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

95-97 is normal

[@brianisrael40]

What the number up meaning for the red one.

[@srki0068]

My oxigen level is 97% when i am resting,im 23 years old. Is this normal?

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

Yes

[@cskiles318]

My husband has ipf. When he’s exerted the worst I’ve seen was 84 heart rate 144 he’s 77 😞

[@lyndeelou2]

Thank you

[@Mehki227]

I'm having heart palpitations usually after eating lately. When I'm having them, will this show the rate or skipped beats or anything?

[@shawnheselton5431]

What is the diffrent numbers when I hold down the button

[@pinkylilac7121]

Hi, so is it ok to read the readings after at least 30 seconds even if the signal level is still blinking? I’m using Zac Pro Pulse Oximeter btw. Thank you. Hope I get a response from you or anyone who knows the Zac Pro functions. Thanks again

[@kamihatreasure1833]

It's really tricky

[@Marc_de_Car]

thanks

[@Angela-yf6rr]

I have a equate monitor from Walmart it's black it shows o2/bpm and there is a PI% CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IT MEANS. T.I.A😊

[@davidkrupadanam1179]

Good information

[@diydantex6150]

'thank you

[@eyesthere]

Ty

[@Q8Patriot]

Thank you for the info 😅

[@meetachoudhury8474]

If in the beginning oximeter shows straight line what does it indicate ?

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

hasn't picked up the signal yet

[@riverdean7]

me 95 52 is that good

[@slot_queen2783]

Your oxygen is ok but your pulse rate is not ok

[@vickic6723]

What about people who have bradycardia it's 48 heart rate too low

[@melissabowannie5248]

You didn't explain how to read the numbers on the meter. Upsidedown or the other way.

[@LaurenElizabeths-ld3hy]

My son has asthma. Can you use a pulse ox meter to measure asthma?? He had a bad attack this weekend, while struggling from a virus (not COVID, or RSV, or Flu).

[@pegaseg70]

Yes it will show the oxygen saturation

[@ginlinhsieh8620]

i am usually around 97 to 98, my lowest is 93 is that bad?

[@deb9869]

Does the finger oximeter show blood pressure too?

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

No

[@bobsponge1877]

Is this safe to wash the rubber off with IPA, or will it ruin the sensor?

[@DrStefanCristianStanel]

probably fine to wipe it with an alcohol wipe/cloth, i do it often (not putting too much alcohol on, just a bit damp) I'd quickly check the cleaning instructions on your oximeter though

[@bobsponge1877]

@@DrStefanCristianStanel thank you

[@chriscruz8269]

I use one of these scared the hell out of me said my oxygen was 75

[@venustirado5652]

👍🏼

[@inregionecaecorum]

Just getting one to even give a reading is a problem.

[@kaidanalenko5222]

Looks like volodomir in thumbnail

[@deronnie2694]

He is only a look-alike

[@Karl-kd6mc]

Nobody tells you finger face up or down

[@claforestrie]

must be at rest😅

[@dawayeayelwin4323]

please translate in burmese

[@schwobamichl]

I could offer latin language…

[@robertmadden7947]

too wordy, repetitive. Took 6 minutes to get to the point of how to interrupt readings

[@annalucinda8273]

Doctor Stanel has over 14K subscribers and not everyone will be as quick on the uptake as your good self. Many of us truly appreciate his explanations which try to leave no stone unturned.

[@spencer5838]

Why is this video 10 minutes?

[@starastronomer]

Why did you ask a stupid question? He did an excellent job of explaining conditions and uses for an oximeter.