Should you have a pulse oximeter in your home? This medical device used for measuring the oxygen saturation level of red blood cells can come in handy. However, a pulse oximeter is not necessarily a required staple for every household's medicine cabinet.

Here’s what you need to know about the basics of pulse oximetry and its modern connection to home health care.

The Basics of Pulse Oximetry

As a clip-on medical device, the design of a pulse oximeter provides a non-invasive opportunity for users to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. How so? A pulse oximeter shines a light beam through the skin of the finger to detect blood flow. The device assesses the change in light absorption to estimate the percentage of oxygen currently in the blood.

The readout display reveals the resulting pulse rate and oxygen saturation level. Healthy oxygen saturation is generally above 90%, with 95-100% being the normal range.

The Importance of Monitoring Blood Oxygen Levels

Monitoring blood oxygen levels is a critical practice for patients who may lack adequate oxygen. Insufficient blood oxygen can influence heart and brain functioning. Pulse oximeters were historically used for patients with repository illnesses in hospital or clinical settings.

However, that practice has since changed to keep closer tabs on oxygen levels. An at-home pulse oximeter can monitor a variety of prevalent conditions—most recently, they’ve assisted in diagnosing and treating COVID-19 in outpatient settings. Essentially, pulse oximeters serve as an early warning sign so patients and providers can respond with speed and efficiency.

Should You Invest in a Pulse Oximeter?

Should you have a pulse oximeter in your home? The answer mainly depends on your medical health and current situation. Can you practically and efficiently use the device at home for a specific condition or illness? Healthcare professionals may advise patients to have one on hand to gather further information. However, remember that these go-to gadgets have their limitations and are not all made equally. Shop cautiously to lessen the risk of inaccuracy and ask your physician for guidance on the best device.

Cascade Health Care is a trusted supplier of reliable healthcare products for professional and at-home use. We only carry medical devices with the highest quality and sensitivity for accuracy. Browse our online selection of easy-to-use pulse oximeters for children and adults today.