For a healthy person with healthy lungs and asthma under control. The normal reading on finger pulse oximeter is 95%-100%. Value under 90% is low and called hypoxemia. It means that an oxygen supplement is needed.
However, it’s normal for the people with COPD or other lung issues, have a blood oxygen level that ranges between 88%-92%.
Hypoxemia
Blood level below than 95% in healthy individuals in normal scenarios leads to hypoxemia which causes shortness of breath. Hypoxemia can be determined through the blood sample taken from arteries (arterial blood gas).
It can also be estimated through the small finger noninvasive device called an oximeter. If the reading falls below 88%, then it is dangerous for the lungs. The patient should rush to the hospital.
Why do we need finger pulse oximeter
Finger pulse oximeter measures the oxygen level in your blood. The device calculates the oxygen concentration in your body and gives you results in the form of a percentage. It also measures the pulse rate.
Benefits of pulse oximeter
- Monitors pulse and oxygen level in heart patients
- Monitors the working of lungs
- Use to check the efficiency of ventilators
- Measures the oxygen during and after surgery
- Check the level of oxygen of coma patients
- To observe the physical activity a person can tolerate
- To check how much a person can do overexertion
Tucker says
How serious a problem is it if O2 dips below 88% or lower during heavy exercise if a person has compromised lungs (COPD, emphysema, etc.) or operating at high altitudes? For example, skiing some aggressive terrain and then frequently stopping to rest and allow O2 to recover.
Haseeb says
it’s normal for the people with COPD or other lung issues, have a blood oxygen level that ranges between 88%-92%.
More details here: https://www.monroecc.edu/depts/pstc/ems/paramedic/paramedic-training-at-mcc/degree-program-content/factors-affecting-pulse-oximeter-readings/
Elsie Kruse says
How low before you really have a concern with COPD?
Andreasandow says
What is the number to respond that is considered good for the heart in using a FINGER PULSE OXIMETER?
Thank you
Andreasandow@yahoo.com
joseph ladd says
Should o2 reading normally change as a result of physical exercise?