Pulse oximeters are being provided to patients as part of the NHS response to COVID-19. This service supports people at home who have been diagnosed with coronavirus and are most at risk of becoming seriously unwell. Show
If you are a patient or member of the public, please visit NHS UK for more information about looking after yourself at home, including information on pulse oximeters. If you have coronavirus and think you are eligible for the service, please contact your GP. What is a pulse oximeter?A pulse oximeter is a small medical device that is put on the tip of the finger, to check someone’s oxygen levels. Pulse oximeters measure blood oxygen levels by transmitting light through a finger – they are more accurate than smart watches or phones which make less accurate readings by reflecting light off the skin. Pulse oximetry can help with earlier detection of silent hypoxia, where people have low oxygen levels in the absence of significant shortness of breath. This can help ensure more timely hospital treatment if required. Who should use a pulse oximeter?The COVID Oximetry @home pathway should be available to people who are:
Pregnant women being referred to a COVID Oximetry @home service should also be asked to contact their maternity team for specific advice around pregnancy and COVID-19. How does COVID Oximetry @home work?The use of pulse oximetry has been expanded as part of the NHS response to coronavirus. All clinical commissioning groups were recommended to set up services for eligible patients in November 2020. The service is usually offered by general practice working alongside community teams. People are provided with a pulse oximeter and supporting information to monitor their oxygen saturation levels at home for up to 14 days, supported by carers and/or family members where appropriate. People are offered regular prompts or check-ins to ensure they are confident in using the oximeter and that they know what to do if oxygen levels fall below normal levels. A patient diary and instructional video is available. Clear guidance on what to do in case of any concerns (either via contacting the GP, 111 or attending A&E in case of emergency) is provided, with 24/7 access to advice and support. If, after 14 days of the onset of symptoms, patients show no signs of deterioration with coronavirus, they are appropriately discharged from the service and given advice on returning the oximeter safely, and how to continue supporting themselves at home. Resources for professionals
Resources for patients, carers and families
How can I check my oxygen level at home manually?Keep your palm on your chest, measure your respiratory rate for 1 minute. If the respiratory rate is less than 24 per minute, your oxygen level is safe. If a patient has more than 30 breaths per minute, the oxygen level is low.
How can I check my blood oxygen level without a machine?You are supposed to count the number of breaths you are taking in a minute. To do this, place your hand on your chest and count the number of times you breathe. If your respiratory rate is more than 30, you might have a low oxygen level.
How can you tell if your oxygen is low at home?Oxygen levels may be low if someone feels short of breath, is breathing faster than usual, or feels too sick to do their usual daily activities, even if a pulse oximeter says their oxygen levels are normal. Call a doctor or another health care provider right away if you have these symptoms.
Can my smartphone check my oxygen level?In a proof-of-principle study, University of Washington and University of California San Diego researchers have shown that smartphones are capable of detecting blood oxygen saturation levels down to 70%.
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How to test blood oxygen levels at home
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