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How to use a Pulse Oximeter at

home

Why have I been told to use a pulse oximeter?

You may have been told by your doctor to use a pulse
oximeter because you are recovering from COVID-19, or
because you are a patient who is at higher risk of
suffering with COVID-19. Using a pulse oximeter is a good
way of making sure your breathing levels aren't
worsening.

What does a pulse oximeter do?

It measures how fast your heart is beating as well as
checking how well you are breathing, it does this by
checking how much oxygen is in your blood.

An ideal oxygen level is between 96% and 99%

and an ideal heart rate is between 50 and 90
beats per minute (bpm).
The oxygen level may be lower in some people with lung
conditions, even when they are feeling well. If you have
an existing lung condition, please check with your doctor
about what your readings should be.

To view guidance in a language that isn't English, please

click here.

How to use a pulse oximeter

Follow these steps to make sure the pulse oximeter gives

the correct reading:

1. Remove any nail polish or false nails.

2. Warm your hand.
3. Make sure you have been resting for at least five
minutes before taking the reading.
4. Rest your hand on your chest at the level of your heart
and hold it still.
5. Switch the pulse oximeter on and place it on your
finger. It works best on your middle or index finger of
either hand, it should not be used on your ear.
6. The reading takes time to steady. Keep the pulse
oximeter in place for at least a minute, or longer if the
reading keeps changing.
7. Record the highest result once the reading has not
changed for five seconds.
8. Be careful to identify which reading is your heart rate
and which is your oxygen level.

The best way to track your heart rate and oxygen

level is by taking a reading three times a day at
the same time every day and keeping a diary of
each reading.
Download a measurement diary by clicking here.
If you are recovering from COVID-19 and need advice on
self-isolation and treating COVID-19 symptoms, please
visit the NHS website.

The video below will take you through the steps of how
to use your pulse oximeter:

How to use your pulse oximeter and Covid-19 diary

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COVID-19 • Get the latest
information from the DOH about…
COVID-19.

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What to do if you experience any of the

following symptoms

Attend your nearest A&E or call 999 immediately

if you have one or more of the following
symptoms and tell the operator you may have
coronavirus:
You are unable to complete short sentences when at
rest due to breathlessness
Your breathing suddenly worsens within an hour
Your blood oxygen level is 92% or less. Check your
blood oxygen level again straight away – if it’s still 92%
or below, go to A&E immediately or call 999

OR if these more general signs of illness worsen:

you are coughing up blood

you feel cold and sweaty with pale or blotchy skin
you develop a rash that does not fade when you roll a
drinking glass over it
you collapse or faint
you become agitated, confused or very drowsy
you have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than
usual.

If you have your pulse oximeter, please give the oxygen

saturation reading to the 999 operator when you speak to
them.

Ring 111 as soon as possible if you have one or

more of the following and tell the operator you
may have coronavirus:
You slowly start feeling more unwell or more
breathless
You are having di*culty breathing when getting up to
go to the toilet or similar
If you use the pulse oximeter, your blood oxygen level
is 94% or 93% when sitting or lying down and remains
at this level after being rechecked within an hour
You sense that something is wrong (general weakness,
severe tiredness, loss of appetite, reduced urine
output, unable to care for yourself – simple tasks like
washing and dressing or making food)

If your blood oxygen level is usually below 95% but it

drops below your normal level, call 111 for advice. Have
your diary readings available.

Page last updated: 29th April 2021

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