My oxymeter gives me different readings

[rmfields]

I have been reading your post about the oximeter used to check oxygen sats. I have one from amazon (choicemmed). I have checked it with one at the doctor's office and it seems to do good. The thing is that most of the time when I use it it will give a reading and then start to rise or lower. For instance If I put it on and it reads 88, and then it begins so rise and usually ends up reading 92-93. So I wonder which one is right, the first number of 88 or the 92-93?

[Hidden]

Hi, as I worked in my local hospital when I done Sats reading u always wait for a sec or 2 till it stops fluttering and ur always take the highest number unless it drops back down rapidly but also try a finger on both hands normally they can differ slightly also, hope this helps slightly . X Sonia x

[rmfields in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Sonia1972

[scrobbitty]

Having cold fingers can also make a big difference!

[rmfields in reply to scrobbitty]

Thanks acrobbitty

[Hidden]

HAVING COLD HANDS PLUS HAVING NAIL VARNISH ALL CONTRADICT THE READING BEST TO LEAVE IT FOR 30 SECS WHEN IT STOPS FLUTTERING AND THEN IT IS THE BEST OF 3 TRYING BOTH HANDS IF IN DOUBT ALSO HELPS

[rmfields in reply to Hidden]

Thank you ant64

[Hidden]

My pleasure rmfields

[stone-UK]

Hi

The majority of home brought oximeters, will give a low or high reading before stabilising. Take two readings.

Take your first reading as a warm up, and use the second reading.

They are not very good for taking snapshots, such as when you are doing exercise or six minute walk test.

[rmfields in reply to stone-UK]

Thank you stone. I think the replys I have received have helped me a lot, and everyone seems to agree pretty much about which reading I should use.

[Puffthemagicdragon]

It is recommend to give 10 to 30 seconds for oximeter readings..

[rmfields in reply to Puffthemagicdragon]

Thank you. I was hoping someone would say that because it's always higher after a few seconds.

[bessemer4]

MIne does exactly the same but then it cost about £15 on Amazon. I imagine you have to spend a great deal more than that to get a proper one. I always assume that the later on median figure is the correct one, and if I'm confused I switch off then repeat the reading. Let me know if you ever find a perfect solution.

Steve

[rmfields]

mine didn

t cost much from amazon, but it was within the same reading as the one in the doctor's office. Thanks for the reply.

[stilltruckin]

I have a Nonin GO2. It 'boots up' in 5 seconds, and the reading usually remains the same if I'm at rest, or sometimes go up or down by 1% soon after.

[Hidden]

Glad you asked that as I was wondering the same thing. I usually wait until it stablises and go on that figure. x

[Hidden]

I was told,to leave your hand across your chest.That if you hold your hand out away from you,shaking hand etc.can change your reading.xx

[RobbyDrum]

I think it reads the blood when it first starts to go through the body(after you put the oxymeter on then alters a little due to you breathing as it is on your finger.....anyone know any different?

Mine usually starts at 88 then swings up to 91

[RobbyDrum]

Hello I think its to do with it reading the blood as it goes around your body and rises a little due to your breathing as its on your finger. mine starts at about 88 then goes up to 90/91.( on a good day )

[WestWalesPaul]

I feel like the odd one out here!

My oxymeter starts high then drops. I've checked it with others in hospital, etc and it is accurate when it stabilises. Starts around 90-94 then winds down to 84 or less. I was also told to leave it on for 30 secs or so and then read it. I also try both hands and get a 1% higher reading usually on my left hand.

[Offcut]

Mine always starts higher and drops and then settles but it usually matches up to how I feel when I do it. if I go into AF in a big way it cannot handle it as it does my pulse too and will not give me a reading.

Be wEll

[bulpit]

Hello rmfields. I used an Oximeter for at least a year to judge how much oxygen my husband should have. You need to sit quietly keep it on for about 15 minutes, and take the highest reading, Every little movement alters the reading,also having warm hands helps. Several times we had to call the paramedics and they always wanted to know what his sats were, They never believed me when i told them his sats were 56 or 49 but when they put their meter on it always confirmed our reading. He had been on oxygen a long time and the body gets used to coping with less oxygen. In the last few months of his life when at home his sats never went above 76. and that was at rest. I send you my very best wishes. Don't get hooked on useing the Oximeter If you are feeling ok it should mean all is well Good luck. Bulpit

[rmfields in reply to bulpit]

Thank you. I need to stop looking for trouble and do as you say, and enjoy when I feel good rather than being so worried over oxygen sats. Thanks.

[bobsmum]

Thank you for asking this question as I wasn't very sure either.

[bobsmum]

Thank you for asking this question as I wasn't very sure either.

[jackdup]

As others have mentioned I was told it can take up to 30 seconds for it to stabilize so I think that the word stabilize is the key. Once it stabilizes that is your correct reading if you are sitting still. Movement can cause it to change or not be as accurate and then of course movement can also cause your O2 to change.

Also when the battery starts to get weak the initial reading seems to be further out of the normal as well.

[jackdup]

As others have mentioned I was told it can take up to 30 seconds for it to stabilize so I think that the word stabilize is the key. Once it stabilizes that is your correct reading if you are sitting still. Movement can cause it to change or not be as accurate and then of course movement can also cause your O2 to change.

Also when the battery starts to get weak the initial reading seems to be further out of the normal as well.

[naturelover]

I want to buy one of these myself so will try amazon, thanx. When the gp puts this on my finger the reading changes too. For instance if I have been walking to open the door, my oxygen goes down, but when ive sat for a minute or two it rises again. I have fibrosis and on oxygen all the time. Hope this reassures you a bit.

[Hidden]

The final number, the number that remains the same. My oxymeter always starts at 88 & rises to the upper 90's soon afterwards.

[Hidden]

There not expensive, check ou Amazon on line.

[Catfinger77]

I have two ringer o2 thingies. They are often as much as 6 percent different, always with one much higher than the other.