Whether to buy Handheld Pulse Oximeter, useful?

Some readers said that reading other articles said that it was not recommended to buy a blood oxygen meter, so it was a little dizzy. It is not easy to comment because I do not know the reason why other media do not recommend it. I also went to read the relevant content on the Internet later, and saw that the main objection was because "home portable blood oxygen meter is not allowed". If so, I don't think this is an argument against buying.

Let's start with some advice from some authorities.

On its website, the WHO's recommendations for home care for COVID-19 mention that rest at home requires regular observation and immediate consultation if there are serious symptoms, including difficulty breathing, confusion, chest pain, loss of speech and movement.

Finger pulse oximeters may be recommended for high-risk groups, he said.

It can be seen that the WHO is not worried about the accuracy of the oximeter. CDC to individual family emergency medical situation, in addition to the several mentioned earlier, there are skin, lips, nails gray hypoxia symptoms, also need emergency medical attention.

The CDC does not directly recommend home use of oximeters, but it does not oppose them either. However, when giving recommendations to grassroots health personnel, it is mentioned that breathing difficulties can not only be observed, because some patients with hypoxia do not show breathing difficulties, but need to use pulse oximeters such as fingers to measure.

On the UK's National Health Service website, anyone who has an oximeter at home is advised to first make sure it is a compliant product, then check their blood oxygen levels regularly and contact a health care provider if there is a persistent drop.

If you have a pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a device clipped to the finger that checks oxygen levels in the blood.

Low oxygen levels in the blood may indicate that you are deteriorating. A pulse oximeter can help you spot this before you feel difficulty breathing or experience any other symptoms, so you can get help quickly.

If you are at high risk of developing motor sickness due to COVID-19, your GP or healthcare professional may ask you to monitor your oxygen levels.

If you use a pulse oximeter at home, make sure it has the CE mark, UKCA mark or CEUKNI mark. This means that the device will work properly and, if used properly, it is safe.

It's helpful to write down your readings so you know what your oxygen levels are when you first use the pulse oximeter and can find out if your levels are dropping. This can also help if you need to talk to a healthcare professional.

Before using a pulse oximeter, talk to your GP or healthcare professional and tell them if you have any questions or concerns.

We can see from the recommendations of the WHO, CDC, and NHS that the accuracy of the oximeter has not become the focus of their concern, and for people who have an oximeter at home, they are also advised to use the oximeter to monitor their blood oxygen.