Do We Need to Prepare an Oximeter at Home?

• The fingertip blood pulse oximeter is small, lightweight ,and portable. After clamped on the finger, it can measure the pulse and the percentage of oxygen in the blood by shining light on the finger. The normal blood oxygen saturation of a healthy person is about 95% to 100%. If the oxygen level is below this level, there may be lung disease. A level below 92% (88% for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - COPD) indicates a serious condition and may require supplemental oxygen or hospital monitoring. 
• The fingertip blood pulse oximeters have been a common medical device since the 1970s. They are most commonly used for people with respiratory diseases, and sometimes for athletes and pilots who must monitor blood oxygen levels. They are mainly used for clinical testing and monitoring, but for certain groups of people, they may also be used at home.

2. Can the fingertip blood pulse oximeter diagnose COVID-19?

• The answer is negative. A fingertip blood pulse oximeter may detect a problem with blood oxygen levels, which may be related to the coronavirus, but it is only part of a comprehensive diagnosis. Blood oxygen saturation can help clinical decision-making, but it cannot replace clinical evaluation, nor can it replace the diagnosis process.
• Some doctors suggest that for patients with suspected symptoms of COVID-19, whose state of illness is not serious so they don't need to be hospitalized, they can consider using fingertip blood pulse oximeters for monitoring at home.