What Is a Pulse Oximeter and How Does It Work?

 A pulse oximeter is an essential health monitoring device that has gained widespread attention in recent years—especially with the growing focus on respiratory health. But what exactly does it do, and how does it work?

This small, non-invasive gadget measures the oxygen saturation level (SpO₂) in your blood—an important indicator of how efficiently oxygen is being delivered throughout your body. It simply clips onto a fingertip or earlobe and uses light sensors to detect oxygen levels without the need for a blood sample. The result is a quick, painless, and highly effective way to monitor your respiratory status in real time.

A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive medical device used to measure the oxygen saturation level (SpO₂) in a person’s blood and their pulse rate. It’s commonly used in hospitals, clinics, and even at home to quickly assess how well oxygen is being delivered to the parts of the body furthest from the heart, such as the arms and legs.

How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work?

Pulse oximeters work based on the principles of light absorption and photoplethysmography:

  1. Clipping onto a body part—usually a fingertip or earlobe—the device shines two types of light (red and infrared) through the skin.

  2. Oxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more infrared light and allows more red light to pass through.

  3. Deoxygenated hemoglobin absorbs more red light and allows more infrared light to pass.

  4. The device's sensor detects the amount of light transmitted and uses algorithms to calculate the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood.

Key Readings from a Pulse Oximeter

  • SpO₂ (Oxygen Saturation): Normal levels range from 95% to 100%. Levels below 90% may indicate a medical emergency.

  • Pulse Rate: Displays heart rate in beats per minute (BPM), with a typical adult range of 60 to 100 BPM.

Why Use a Pulse Oximeter?

  • Monitoring patients with respiratory or cardiac conditions

  • Tracking oxygen levels in COVID-19 patients

  • During or after surgery involving anesthesia

  • High-altitude activities or sports

  • Sleep apnea screening

Conclusion

A pulse oximeter is a vital tool for quickly and painlessly monitoring oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Whether used in clinical settings or at home, it helps detect potential health issues early—making it an essential part of modern healthcare.

For residents of Australia, Wishmed offers a dependable range of pulse oximeters that combine accuracy with ease of use. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or simply want to keep a closer eye on your health at home, a high-quality pulse oximeter from Wishmed provides the peace of mind and insights you need to stay proactive about your well-being.

Don’t leave your health to chance—equip yourself with the right tools from Wishmed to stay informed, prepared, and in control.

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