Re- Blood gas

[kimmy59]

Does anyone else blood gas go low because of the cold. I don't feel ill or anything but its about 85.

Kim xxx

[O2Trees]

Kim, I don't know if this applies to you but sometimes oximeters don't work properly when its cold. Not sure how to check this, but anyway worth asking your resp nurse as if you really are at 85, this is far too low as Im sure you know

Everything in the body, including its thermostat, takes O2 to function. I don't know if that would play any part in lowering your sats but as above, 85 is pretty low and I wouldn't have thought that extra work by the thermostat would make such a big difference, (assuming your normal sats are 90 or above). Id want to ask my GP or nurse.

[kimmy59 in reply to O2Trees]

I don't normally feel the cold, then my husband comes home and tells me its cold in the house. But I have felt it the last couple of days especially my feet. I'm normally about 92. I'll keep a check on it. Thanks for the advice.

Kim xxx

[O2Trees in reply to kimmy59]

I thought you meant outside Kim. I wouldn't have thought an oximeter would be affected by indoor temperatures. 85 is too low anyway so good idea to see your GP or nurse. Take care.

[Watfordgirl]

An oximeter won't read accurately if your finger is cold. My GP tried to warm mine up once - it's the only time he's sat holding my hand!

[kimmy59 in reply to Watfordgirl]

Thank you, thats exactly what my husband said.

Kim xxx

[jackdup]

Movement and cold fingers can cause an inaccurate reading with an oximeter, especially the lower cost home versions. You could try putting your hands in warm water for a bit to warm them up and then check your sats.

It is probably best to get them checked by your doctor to be sure as going for an extended period that low, if your oximeter is correct, isn't good.

[kimmy59 in reply to jackdup]

Thanks. I am going to keep a check on it.

Kim.