What is a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a small electronic device that clips onto a fingertip, toe, or earlobe to measure how much oxygen is in the blood. This value is displayed as a percentage (SpO2) along with the user’s pulse rate in beats per minute.

The device works by passing beams of light through the skin. Oxygenated and deoxygenated blood absorb light differently, and sensors inside the device interpret this difference to calculate the oxygen saturation level. Most pulse oximeter fingertip devices deliver results within seconds, making them ideal for personal or clinical use.

According to the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, pulse oximetry is a key tool in the early detection of hypoxaemia, particularly in patients with asthma, COPD, or COVID-19.

Clinical and Personal Use Cases

Pulse oximeters serve a wide variety of clinical and at-home roles. From post-surgery monitoring to COVID home care plans, their applications have expanded significantly.

Common Use Cases:

• Asthma and COPD: Helps track episodes and response to medication.
• COVID-19 Monitoring: Detects early signs of silent hypoxaemia.
• Post-Surgery Recovery: Ensures oxygenation remains stable during healing.
• Sleep Disorders: Wrist models can be used for overnight oxygen trend monitoring.
• General Fitness: Some athletes use oximeters to assess recovery or altitude acclimatisation.

The accessibility of oximeter Chemist Warehouse products ensures everyday Australians can access quality monitoring tools at affordable prices.

Key Features to Look For

Not all oximeters are the same. Depending on your needs, you may want features such as:

• Large OLED Display: For easy reading by all age groups
• Pulse Bar or Waveform Graph: Helps verify signal quality
• Alarm Function: Warns when readings fall outside safe levels
• SpO₂ Accuracy Rating: Should have ±2% accuracy for clinical reliability
• Battery Life Indicator: Useful for portable, everyday use
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure it’s ARTG-listed for Australian use

A pulse oximeter Chemist Warehouse unit often meets these standards, while also offering local customer support and warranty coverage.

Best Practices and Safety Tips

To ensure your readings are accurate and useful, follow these tips:

• Always sit still during a reading
• Take multiple readings if unsure and average them
• Clean the device regularly
• Store in a cool, dry place
• Don’t rely solely on oximeters for diagnosis—consult a healthcare provider when in doubt

If you're managing a chronic illness, it's helpful to keep a daily log of readings to share with your doctor during consultations.

What Does a Pulse Oximeter Measure?

A pulse oximeter primarily measures two key indicators:

1. Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂)

This refers to the percentage of haemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen. A normal reading ranges from 95% to 100%. Anything lower may indicate respiratory or circulatory issues.

2. Pulse Rate

Displayed in beats per minute (BPM), this measures your heart rate. Normal resting BPM for adults ranges from 60–100.

When Are Readings a Concern?

• SpO2 below 90%: May require medical attention
• Rapid pulse (tachycardia) or very low pulse (bradycardia): Also warrants further investigation

This makes pulse oximeters particularly valuable during conditions like asthma attacks, pneumonia, or post-operative recovery. Understanding what a pulse oximeter measures and when to take action is key to safer monitoring.

How to Use a Pulse Oximeter Correctly

Using a pulse oximeter is straightforward, but accuracy depends on correct application. Here are some simple steps:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Warm Your Hands: Cold fingers can cause inaccurate readings.
2. Position the Device: Place it on the index or middle fingertip.
3. Stay Still: Movement affects the sensor’s ability to read accurately.
4. Wait for Results: Most devices take 5–10 seconds to display readings.
5. Interpret Readings: Check both SpO₂ and BPM and log them if needed.

Avoid using the device in bright sunlight or while wearing nail polish or artificial nails, which can interfere with light sensors.

For further reading: Australian Government Health Department – Pulse Oximeters for Home Use

FAQs About Pulse Oximeters

What does a pulse oximeter measure?

It measures the oxygen saturation level (SpO₂) in the blood and the heart rate.

How does a pulse oximeter work?

The device shines red and infrared light through the skin and detects how much is absorbed by oxygen-rich blood versus oxygen-poor blood.

What is oximeter pulse?

It refers to the pulse rate detected and displayed by the oximeter—similar to your heart rate.

How accurate are pulse oximeters?

Medical-grade devices are accurate within ±2%, though factors like cold fingers, nail polish, or movement can affect results.

Where can I buy a pulse oximeter in Australia?

You can find them at pharmacies, medical supply stores, and online. Reputable sources include Chemist Warehouse, Heart Sure, and hospital retailers.