Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (2024)

Our Top Pulse Oximeters

  • Best Value: SantaMedical Finger Pulse Oximeter
  • Best For Active Users: Zacurate 500C Elite Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
  • Best Reading Time: Innovo iP900AP Deluxe Pulse Oximeter
  • Best With Bluetooth Compatibility: Wellue Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
  • Best Technology: Oxiline Pulse 7S Pro
  • Best Simple Design: Mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter
  • Best Display Options: Zacurate 500E Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
  • Best Alarm Options: Concord Health Supply EAD Elite Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
  • Best Data Storage: Contec CMS50EA Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024

Best Value

SantaMedical Finger Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (1)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (2)

5.0

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $19.95
  • Provides a reading in 10 seconds or less
  • 30 hours of battery life

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best for Active Users

Zacurate 500C Elite Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (4)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (5)

4.7

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $34.99
  • Provides a reading in 10 seconds or less
  • 30 hours of battery life

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Reading Time

Innovo iP900AP Deluxe Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (7)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (8)

4.7

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $34.99
  • Provides a reading in about 5 seconds
  • 40 hours of battery life

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best With Bluetooth Compatibility

Wellue Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (10)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (11)

4.5

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $24.99
  • Provides a reading within 5 seconds
  • Hours of battery life not specified

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Technology

Oxiline Pulse 7S Pro

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (13)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (14)

4.4

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $59
  • Provides a reading in under 7 seconds
  • Battery life supports six months of continuous use

On Oxiline's Website

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Simple Design

Mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (16)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (17)

4.3

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $20.95
  • Provides a reading in 10 seconds
  • 40 hours of battery life

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Display Options

Zacurate 500E Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (19)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (20)

4.2

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $29.99
  • Provides a reading in about 10 seconds
  • 35 hours of battery life

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Alarm Options

Concord Health Supply EAD Elite Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (22)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (23)

4.1

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $39.95
  • Doesn’t specify time it takes to provide a reading
  • 30 hours of battery life

On Amazon

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Best Data Storage

Contec CMS50EA Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (25)

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (26)

4.1

All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

  • Manufacturer price: $59.90
  • Doesn’t specify time it takes to provide a reading
  • 20 hours of battery life

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Methodology: How We Picked the Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024

To identify the best pulse oximeters, the Forbes Health editorial team analyzed data on over 75 products from leading brands, evaluating them based on the following criteria:

  • Price
  • How quickly they provide readings
  • Battery life
  • Whether batteries are included (if needed)
  • Ability to measure heart rate
  • Ability to display perfusion index
  • Inclusion of an auto shutoff feature
  • Inclusion of alarm features
  • Smartphone compatibility via Bluetooth
  • Display type

Prices are sourced from manufacturer websites first and Amazon second and accurate as of the publication date but subject to change.

What is a Pulse Oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a device that measures your pulse rate (or heart rate) and the percentage of oxygen in your blood, showing digital readings for both in a matter of seconds. Pulse oximetry is a quick and painless indicator as to how well your body is working to move the oxygen from your heart to your extremities.

Oxygen is attached to hemoglobin, an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. Pulse oximetry measures the percent of hemoglobin saturated by oxygen, which is called oxygen saturation and is expressed as a percentage. If all the binding sites on the hemoglobin molecule have oxygen, the hemoglobin is 100% saturated.

How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work?

When you insert your fingertip into a pulse oximeter, it uses two non-invasive LED lights—one red to measure deoxygenated blood and the other infrared to measure oxygenated blood. To calculate the oxygen saturation percentage, a photodetector reads the light absorption from these two beams of differing wavelengths.

Typically, an oxygen saturation level is considered normal between 95% and 100%. If it’s lower than 90%, one should seek immediate medical attention.

The FDA notes that these readings should be considered estimates of blood saturation and more accurate measurements can be provided by a blood test.

Types of Pulse Oximeters

There are two types of pulse oximeters:

  • Transmission probes are used to measure blood oxygen through your fingers, toes and earlobes.
  • Reflectance probes measure blood oxygen levels with an emitter and sensor that are placed side by side on a flat body surface with underlying bone (such as the forehead).

Pulse oximeters commonly used at home are finger monitors that are small and painlessly clipped onto your fingertip. They range in price and size and are sold by both brick-and-mortar and online retailers. Some can connect to a smartphone app for easy recording, data storage and sharing with your healthcare team, which can be helpful for people with chronic conditions or who use home oxygen therapy.

Pulse oximeters are available as a prescription or over the counter (OTC). Prescription oximeters must pass FDA inspection for quality and accuracy and are typically used in a clinical setting—you need to have a prescription from your doctor for home use. Meanwhile, OTC pulse oximeters are not FDA regulated and are sold directly to the consumer online and at pharmacies.

Hospital-Grade Pulse Oximetry For Everyone

Don't compromise when it comes to your health. Upgrade to the Oxiline Pulse XS Pro today and experience the next evolution in health monitoring technology.

Who Might Use a Pulse Oximeter?

While pulse oximeters are commonly used during an annual physical, health care providers may recommend people with lung or heart conditions keep one at home in order to track their oxygen levels regularly. Additional use cases for a pulse oximeter include:

  • Surgery recovery
  • Using certain medications that may cause reduced lung function and respiration
  • Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, pneumonia, anemia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, lung cancer and others that can cause a decrease in blood oxygen levels
  • Sleep apnea and other sleep disorders

Benefits of Using a Pulse Oximeter

“Pulse oximeters are most useful for persons who have lung and heart problems, which can cause abnormal oxygen levels,” says Dianne L. Atkins, M.D., chair of the American Heart Association’s Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee based in Iowa City, Iowa.

People on home oxygen should have one, she says, as well as infants with certain types of congenital heart disease, infants and children with tracheostomies or those on home ventilation.

“The use of pulse oximeters has been very useful during the COVID-19 pandemic once someone has tested positive,” adds Dr. Atkins. “In this situation, regular measurement can detect worsening lung function, which could indicate the need for more advanced care and possible hospitalization.”

Follow your doctor’s recommendations about when and how often to check oxygen levels.

How to Use a Pulse Oximeter

Pulse oximetry uses technology that measures oxygen saturation by illuminating the skin with two wavelengths of light—one red and one infrared. Deoxygenated blood absorbs red light, and oxygenated blood absorbs infrared light. The monitor uses an algorithm to determine oxygen saturation by differences in light absorption. Clips can be attached to certain sites of the body—commonly the fingertip, toes, earlobe and forehead—to get readings.

For home use, the most common type is the fingertip pulse oximeter. Follow manufacturer guidelines for proper use because not all models are the same, but typically, you sit still, clip the small device to your fingertip and wait for your reading to appear in less than a minute. Some models are meant for adult use only while others can be used on children.

Since pulse oximetry relies on light absorption through a tissue bed with pulsating blood, some factors can interfere with those parameters, leading to a false reading, such as:

  • Nail polish
  • Movement
  • Poor circulation
  • Dark skin tone
  • Cold hands
  • A history of smoking

How to Read a Pulse Oximeter

All monitors have an electronic result display. There are at least two readings on a pulse oximeter—oxygen saturation percentage, abbreviated as SpO2, and pulse rate. The resting heart rate for a typical adult ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (often lower for athletes)—although a healthy resting heart rate is typically well below 90 beats per minute.

Some pulse oximeters also include perfusion index (PI) information or a plethysmograph, which indicates pulse strength. PI presents as an additional percentage while a plethysmograph is a visual that resembles a wave.

What’s a Normal Pulse Oximeter Reading?

The average oxygen saturation level for healthy individuals is between 95% and 100%, although people with chronic lung conditions may have a reading below 95%. A reading below 90% is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment by a medical professional.

Don’t rely solely on a piece of medical equipment to tell you when something is wrong. Pay attention to other signs of low blood oxygen levels, such as:

  • A dusky blue appearance of the face, lips or nails
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • A cough that gets worse
  • Restlessness
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • A racing heart rate

FEATURED PARTNER OFFER Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (27)

Partner Offers feature brands who paid Forbes Health to appear at the top of our list. While this may influence where their products or services appear on our site, it in no way affects our ratings, which are based on thorough research, solid methodologies and expert advice. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services

Oxiline Pulse XS Pro

Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (28)
  • Accurately determines oxygen saturation, pulse rate (BPM) and perfusion index within seconds
  • VTEC™ AX sensor provides unparalleled accuracy and reliability
  • Feature-packed app with seamless Bluetooth connectivity across Apple and Android devices
  • Lifetime warranty, free shipping and 30-day money-back guarantee

On Oxiline's Website

How Much Does a Pulse Oximeter Cost?

Pulse oximeters typically range in price from about $20 to $50, depending on the type of device selected and special features it may include. While some basic models can cost as low as $9 at third-party retailers like Walmart, others with special features like app tracking and multiple measurement units can cost upward of $200.

How to Choose the Best Pulse Oximeter for You

There are many brand choices and cost considerations for pulse oximeters. Here are some questions to ask when choosing a pulse oximeter for you and your family:

  • Who will be using the device?
  • Is the display easy to read?
  • Will it be worn during sleep? Some models are more sleek and comfortable for continuous monitoring.
  • Do you need it to alarm when levels are low? This feature is vital if worn while sleeping.
  • Is the device bluetooth-enabled? If you have a chronic illness and need frequent monitoring, consider this option for storing and tracking results on your smartphone, making it easier to share them with your doctor.

Hospital-Grade Pulse Oximetry For Everyone

Experience unparalleled accuracy for reliable oxygen saturation, perfusion index and heartbeats per minute metrics every time.

Shop Now

On Oxiline's Website

Compare the Best Pulse Oximeters of 2024

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SantaMedical Finger Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (30)5.0Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (31)Best ValueShop NowOn Amazonhttps://lvnta.com/lv_tKssvKGLM3LjvvLLUg?url=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2Fdp%2FB086Z6T558" rel="nofollow"
Zacurate 500C Elite Fingertip Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (32)4.7Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (33)Best For Active UsersShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Zacurate-Fingertip-Oximeter-Saturation-Batteries/dp/B07YX5C4LB?crid=3TQ59K6RKKYJ7&keywords=Zacurate+500C+Elite+Fingertip+Pulse+Oximeter&qid=1681311768&s=hpc&sprefix=zacurate+500c+elite+fingertip+pulse+oximeter%2Chpc%2C689&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzN1g2ME9QMFdUNjdTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODgzNjQ5Wk9aUVpRRUJJS0pQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAxNjU5OTcxQTVKWklVVFM3RUowJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%3D%3D&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=a7748aec308aceb6caeeb651cc65a5d1&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"
Innovo iP900AP Deluxe Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (34)4.7Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (35)Best Reading TimeShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Innovo-Fingertip-Oximeter-Plethysmograph-Perfusion/dp/B07YVGZPRZ?crid=27OMPU8NBWUIW&keywords=Innovo+iP900AP+Deluxe+Pulse+Oximeter&qid=1681311901&s=hpc&sprefix=innovo+ip900ap+deluxe+pulse+oximeter%2Chpc%2C721&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=0172a38280dc7519d62b08a9e49ab17e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"
Wellue Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (36)4.5Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (37)Best With Bluetooth CompatibilityShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Wellue-Fingertip-Saturation-Batteries-Bluetooth/dp/B085ZFDMMX?crid=1290YG4HMF0MW&keywords=Wellue+Bluetooth+Fingertip+Pulse+Oximeter&qid=1681312017&s=hpc&sprefix=wellue+bluetooth+fingertip+pulse+oximeter%2Chpc%2C561&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=f460b8a12e30c55675eab017675d33a8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"
Oxiline Pulse 7S ProBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (38)4.4Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (39)Best TechnologyShop NowOn Oxiline's Websitehttps://oxiline.pxf.io/c/1955282/1640145/19010?u=https%3A%2F%2Foxiline.shop%2Fproduct%2Fpulse-7s-pro%2F
Mibest OLED Finger Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (40)4.3Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (41)Best Simple DesignShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/mibest-Luxury-Color-Finger-Oximeter/dp/B07TKPK31J?content-id=amzn1.sym.570e7680-987b-4043-baad-ab61ea81d6c9%3Aamzn1.sym.570e7680-987b-4043-baad-ab61ea81d6c9&crid=1TQ5S6N5ID71X&cv_ct_cx=Mibest+OLED+Finger+Pulse+Oximeter&keywords=Mibest+OLED+Finger+Pulse+Oximeter&pd_rd_i=B07TKPK31J&pd_rd_r=8e65958e-783f-4b8f-87b7-cb380b0febd5&pd_rd_w=WM1n4&pd_rd_wg=9QIut&pf_rd_p=570e7680-987b-4043-baad-ab61ea81d6c9&pf_rd_r=CFBK8Q7Y6RYNA6NRR694&qid=1681312215&s=hpc&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=mibest+oled+finger+pulse+oximeter%2Chpc%2C669&sr=1-2-a73d1c8c-2fd2-4f19-aa41-2df022bcb241&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=554debffa9abc9cf27d41c7c907b7a5b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"
Zacurate 500E Premium Fingertip Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (42)4.2Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (43)Best Display OptionsShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Zacurate-Fingertip-Oximeter-Saturation-Batteries/dp/B0845SS9VR?crid=1CEFVSQOVRYYM&keywords=Zacurate+500E+Premium+Fingertip+Pulse+Oximeter&qid=1681312304&s=hpc&sprefix=zacurate+500e+premium+fingertip+pulse+oximeter%2Chpc%2C596&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExWElaTUxHTTM0NkZYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzc3MDk2MjlORjhKUTJNSVlFOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTk2NDgwMlEyQlFKRlVSOTM3MSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU%3D&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=24f68adb256fb56e449c13aa5e3f7f60&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"
Concord Health Supply EAD Elite Fingertip Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (44)4.1Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (45)Best Alarm OptionsShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Concord-Health-Supply-Saturation-6-Position/dp/B074NDDKY1?crid=1M2WMDLTP2UCU&keywords=Concord+Health+Supply+EAD+Elite+Fingertip+Pulse+Oximeter&qid=1681312388&s=hpc&sprefix=concord+health+supply+ead+elite+fingertip+pulse+oximeter%2Chpc%2C288&sr=1-4&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=0af3441a90a04d8559dfc1ea177a7d5b&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"
Contec CMS50EA Bluetooth Fingertip Pulse OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (46)4.1Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (47)Best Data StorageView More#contec_cms50ea_bluetooth_fingertip_pulse_oximeter_section
Wellue FS20F Bluetooth Finger OximeterBest Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (48)3.9Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (49)Best With Bluetooth Compatibility Runner-UpShop NowOn Amazonhttps://www.amazon.com/Wellue-Fingertip-Saturation-Batteries-Bluetooth/dp/B0881PTQH4?crid=7GZ7RCW85K8W&keywords=Wellue%2BFS20F&qid=1681312616&sprefix=wellue%2Bfs20f%2Caps%2C514&sr=8-1-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFNOURZMUozWTJSQlMmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAyMTYyNjAyUVpCUjJCNktaNzAxJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0MzkxOTExRUcyUzU1U05HOEZWJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=forbeshealth-20&linkId=64395414197420b4b854c0114417901a&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl" rel="nofollow"

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best pulse oximeter for home use?

The best pulse oximeter for home use is the one that’s easiest for you to use accurately and that fits your specific health needs and budget. Review the list above to find high-quality pulse oximeter options.

How accurate are at-home pulse oximeters?

At-home pulse oximeters are typically accurate within 4% to 6% of a blood test reading, according to the FDA, which also notes that it’s important to consider pulse oximeter readings as estimates of blood oxygen saturation. For more accurate readings, a blood test must be performed. Certain factors like skin temperature, skin pigmentation, skin thickness and the presence of nail polish can also affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter. The FDA adds that pulse oximeters are least accurate when blood oxygen levels are below 80%, in which case immediate medical attention is needed.

Can a pulse oximeter be used on a child?

While some pulse oximeters are designed specifically for children with kid-friendly themes, colors and sizes, most adult pulse oximeters are also safe to use on children. However, make sure your child’s finger fits into the pulse oximeter properly to ensure the most accurate reading.

Which pulse oximeters are FDA-approved?

Professional pulse oximeters, such as those used in hospitals or medical settings, are FDA approved while others designed for at-home use are typically not reviewed nor approved by the FDA. However, many professional devices can be purchased by consumers for home use, such as the Innovo pulse oximeters on our list.

Are pulse oximeters used with oxygen concentrators?

Yes, pulse oximeters are often used in tandem with oxygen concentrators to determine whether supplemental oxygen therapy is proving effective in stabilizing a person’s blood oxygen saturation within the healthy range. By measuring blood oxygen concentration regularly with a pulse oximeter, one can also observe any fluctuations that might warrant a conversation with their health care provider about their supplemental oxygen prescription.

Sources

References

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Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Tamrah HarrisContributor

Tamrah Harris is a registered nurse and certified personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine. She is the founder and CEO of Harris Health and Wellness Communications. She has over 25 years of experience in healthcare with a passion for health education and wellness.

Bojana Jankovic Weatherly, M.D., F.A.C.P., M.Sc.Internal Medicine / Integrative Medicine

Dr. Bojana Jankovic Weatherly is a double board-certified physician in internal and integrative medicine and a fellow of the American College of Physicians. She practices integrative, internal and functional medicine to deliver optimal, evidence-based care customized to each one of her patients. Dr. Bojana serves patients in her practice in New York City, as well as patients in California, Connecticut and New Jersey via telemedicine. Throughout her academic career, she performed research in endocrinology and oncology, published papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented her work at academic conferences. Her goal is to discover and address the origins of her patients’ conditions and support them in living at their highest level of health. Dr. Bojana serves as an advisor and founding physician at The Lanby, an integrative primary care startup in New York City. She was also the co-founder of WellStart Health, a digital therapeutics startup for chronic disease prevention and reversal. She previously worked as the company’s chief medical officer and now serves as its medical advisor. She is on the board of the Environmental Working Group, as well as the board of directors of Lifeline New York, a nonprofit organization that provides support to Serbian hospitals and children in need. She is on the board of Tryall Fund, a nonprofit organization that promotes health and education in Jamaica, as well. Lastly, Dr. Bojana serves on the philanthropic leadership board of Eat REAL, a nonprofit that works to increase access to healthy food and educate families about healthy nutrition.

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Best Pulse Oximeters Of 2024, According To Research (2024)

FAQs

What is the most accurate measure of oxygen saturation? ›

An arterial blood gas test is more invasive and painful than using a pulse oximeter, but it's a more accurate way to measure oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood as well as the balance of acids and bases.

Which finger is most accurate for a pulse oximeter? ›

When it comes to choosing the finger for pulse oximeter readings, the general consensus is that the middle finger or the index finger provides the most accurate results. These fingers are typically preferred due to their adequate blood flow and the thickness of the skin in the fingertip area.

What oximeter do doctors use? ›

The pulse oximeter, or Pulse Ox, is an electronic device that measures the saturation of oxygen carried in your red blood cells. Pulse oximeters can be attached to your fingers, forehead, nose, foot, ears or toes. The device may then be reused or disposed of.

What oximeter is FDA approved? ›

Masimo announced it received FDA clearance of MightySat Medical, making it the first and only FDA-cleared medical fingertip pulse oximeter available over-the-counter direct to consumers without a prescription.

Is a 92 oxygen level ok for the elderly? ›

An adult who is 70 years or older requires a blood oxygen level of 95 percent. A low blood oxygen level can lead to conditions, like hypoxemia and hypoxia, and a level below 90 percent requires that a caregiver call 911. Hypoxemia occurs when the senior has a blood oxygen reading between 90 and 92 percent.

What are three conditions that can give a false pulse oximetry reading? ›

Excessive motion—shivering, shaking, or other movement—can also cause erroneous readings. Skin temperature and thickness can also reduce the accuracy of pulse pulse oximeters, and whether a person smokes tobacco can affect the device's accuracy.

Are cheap pulse oximeters accurate? ›

In clinical scenarios, such as critical illness, factors such as motion artifact and vasoconstriction are likely to play a significant role and further degrade the accuracy of low-cost pulse oximeters, perhaps to a greater degree than more expensive units.

What is a dangerously low oxygen level? ›

If you're using an oximeter at home and your oxygen saturation level is 92% or lower, call your healthcare provider. If it's at 88% or lower, get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.

What is the best position for a pulse oximeter? ›

Place the oximeter on the fingertip of either your index (pointer) finger or your middle finger. It should feel snug but comfortable. Keep still for at least a minute. If the numbers keep fluctuating, you may need to be still for longer.

Which toe is best for a pulse oximeter? ›

Choose the right toe: While it may seem like any toe will do, it's important to choose the right one. The big toe is typically the best option, as it tends to have the most consistent circulation. Make sure your toe is warm: Cold toes can affect circulation and, in turn, affect the accuracy of pulse oximeter readings.

What is the best brand of oximeter to buy? ›

Best for Most Users and Usecases

The Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is our best overall pick because it's straightforward, easy to use, and accurate. The large display provides clear readings of your oxygen saturation levels and pulse rate.

Why am I short of breath but my oxygen saturation is good? ›

You could possibly be retaining CO2. If this is the case, you could still show high sats but still feel short of breath. In fact, high CO2 will trigger the feeling of shortness of breath long before you are actually low on breath.

What is a normal pulse rate on an oximeter? ›

An ideal blood oxygen level is between 95% and 99%. An ideal heart rate is between 50 and 90 beats per minute (bpm). You will need to alert your doctor or 111 if it drops below 95% and your heart rate goes above 100.

Are drugstore pulse oximeters accurate? ›

OTC pulse oximeters: These are sold online or in pharmacies without a prescription. They're not reviewed by the FDA and may be less reliable than prescription pulse oximeters.

What is the best finger oximeter readings? ›

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.

Which oximeter should I buy? ›

DR VAKU® Swadesi Pulse Oximeter Fingertip, Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor - Click here for Amazon deal. The DR VAKU Pulse Oximeter is one of the best pulse oximeters in India. It is a very accurate and reliable device that can measure your pulse rate and spo2 blood oxygen saturation levels quickly and accurately.

What is the normal range for pulse oximeter? ›

For most people, a normal pulse oximeter reading for your oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%. If you have a lung disease such as COPD or pneumonia, your normal oxygen saturation level may be lower. Your healthcare provider will let you know what levels are acceptable.

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