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.

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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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[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!

[boatman]

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

[bgpapa]

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

[alexu]

I was starting to have an anxiety attack (asthma related) and this video calmed me down a lot. Not sure why but thanks doc.

[bobquell]

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.

[vincentamato]

Thank you so much. Very good instructions.

[alexiswatson]

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

[HucklebridgeC]

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. 👍

[Fluffimuff]

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

[K.Lovelace]

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

[feyrie]

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

[Wooburnmusic]

This is a very good video and very good advice, thankyou.

[LilianeManahan]

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

[Firebrand]

the best YT How To vid's are made of.

[edwardb]

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

[DoreenChewe-qk]

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

[andrewnichols]

? Would an increase of respiration mean o2 level is low? I have breathing issues when physical stress and in cold usually accompanied with endless abdominal gas bloating? Very tight

[robertjohn]

Does Pulse Oximeter LK89 measures Sugar level too

[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).

[MariaManaviMRM]

Thank you for all these infos!! I have a question though... I'm type 1 diabetic for 30 years now and I have also asthma. I'm using pulse oxymeter on my finger and my Samsung watch 4, which is pretty accurate when use it correctly (checked at hospital too). As a diabetic, would be more accurate to see from watch or finger?? Would all these years of diabetes affect readings??