Two different O2 Saturation Readings: I bought a... - Thyroid UK

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Two different O2 Saturation Readings

Ali1101 profile image
13 Replies

I bought a pulse oximeter similar to the one in the link:

amazon.com/dp/B00LKUF5CM?re...

It always reads my O2 in the range of 93-95%, when I try it on other people, it reads the normal 98-99%. When I went to the hospital I asked for O2 saturation several times, the result it is normal 98-99% !!

I don't understand why the readings are different. I'm asking this because I might have sleep apnea as I have adrenaline rush every night.

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Ali1101 profile image
Ali1101
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13 Replies
bantam12 profile image
bantam12

We bought a different make and it was giving inaccurate readings, we tested it at the surgery to prove it was wrong. Sent that one back to the manufacturer and bought a different one but none of them are 100% accurate. I would get one that goes on your finger rather than a wrist strap.

Ali1101 profile image
Ali1101 in reply to bantam12

It does go on the finger and it reads correct for everyone I used it on except on me.

rubyred777 profile image
rubyred777

I would buy a second one, and take them both with me next appointment. At the Drs. you have probably been sitting relaxing. When you take it at home, are you doing the same? Don't understand why it's accurate on other people and not you. 😊 Rubyxx

rubyred777 profile image
rubyred777

I just looked at the one you bought. Really expensive! I would get a finger one. Even in the hospital they use them.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to rubyred777

The bluetooth connection might be critical to maintaining monitoring during sleep?

Ali1101 profile image
Ali1101 in reply to helvella

no without the bluetooth feature, actually mine comes without it. I think the way these work differently and shows different results which may mean something.

Ali1101 profile image
Ali1101 in reply to rubyred777

I think I do have an issue with breathing or oxygen (probably due to hypothyroidism) but don't know why the one in Dr. office is not detecting it.

rubyred777 profile image
rubyred777 in reply to Ali1101

What does it say when you walk around? Does it go lower?😊.xx

Ali1101 profile image
Ali1101 in reply to rubyred777

yes it does fall to 93-92-91 sometimes

rubyred777 profile image
rubyred777 in reply to Ali1101

Not to scare you, but you don't have copd do you? I don't know to much about thyroid issues. I do have copd. You can pick a finger one up pretty cheap in a store.xx

cjrsquared profile image
cjrsquared

All pulse oxymeters need calibrating yearly to maintain accuracy as do blood pressure monitors. Have you also considered that your O2 sats reading may vary according to the time of day and how upright you are sitting. A 10% increase difference in angle of sitting has a significant impact on oxygen saturation on anyone with a raised BMI ( this includes me) but may not apply to you. Not sure sure if this helps.

mandy72 profile image
mandy72

i have one that you put on your finger, most of the time its above 96 but if i walk up he stairs and get into bed it does drop to the 80's but thats with a high pulse, as pulse lowers sp02 levels increase, at this moment and time its 98 and pulse 71-74

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

Came across this article, perhaps a little old, which identifies several possible causes of inaccurate readings:

modernmedicine.com/modern-m...

There could well be other sources of this sort of information.

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