This article is for patients who have been asked by their GP practice to use a fingertip oxygen monitor.
To get an accurate reading from your fingertip oxygen monitor:
- Remove any nail polish or false nails.
- Warm your hand up if cold.
- Make sure you have been resting for at least five minutes before using your monitor.
- Rest your hand on your chest at heart level and hold still.
- Switch the pulse oximeter on and place it on your finger. It works best on your middle or index fingers.
- The reading takes time to steady. Keep the pulse oximeter in place for at least a minute, or longer if the reading keeps changing.
- Take the highest result once the reading has not changed for five seconds.
- The monitor will give two numbers. One is your oxygen level (Sp02 or %) and one is your heart rate (often PR, HR or BPM).
- Please consult the instructions for your device or clarify with a healthcare professional on how to read the results if this is unclear.
