In the last year, with the coronavirus pandemic becoming more and more widespread, many items have become essential in the home in the battle to keep ourselves safe and healthy. One such item, which has been highlighted in the press recently is a pulse oximeter. If you are wondering where can I get a pulse oximeter? then there are a few options.
What Does it Do?
To recap, a pulse oximeter is used to measure the levels of oxygen in the blood (SpO2) and also pulse rate. It is a small and reasonably cheap device that you put your finger in and comes out with a measurement very quickly and easily. It can be really useful for people with chronic breathing problems but now it is also being recommended for use at home for people with coronavirus.
The reason for this is that it has been known for people who don’t show signs of having difficulty breathing, to have a low pulse ox rate and this can be an indicator of the condition becoming much worse. If people who have been diagnosed with coronavirus can monitor their own pulse ox level that that can be useful to ensure that the levels are not dropping too low and leading to breathing problems.
What is a Dangerous Level?
The level of oxygen in the blood is measured in units up to 100 and a healthy level (for the majority of people) is between 95 and 100. Between 93 and 95 is considered to be a more worrying level and anything lower than that might need medical attention. Obviously your own situation might be different and you should take advice from your doctor if you are concerned.
In the UK, the recommendation is to call 111 if your pulse oxygen rate is 94% or 93%. If it goes to 92% or below then you should call 999. Check out NHS recommendations here.
Buy a Pulse Oximeter Online
| You can buy a pulse oximeter at the majority of pharmacies/chemists and you can also buy them online. There are quite a number available to choose from online and they all work in a similar way. I bought one from Amazon last year and have found it very easy to use and it provides peace of mind if the situation occurs that anyone in my family comes down with coronavirus.
The one on the left is a similar one to the one I bought (as that one is currently out of stock) and can be bought on Amazon in the UK.* |
| There is also a huge selection of pulse oximeters for sale on Amazon in the US*. Again, a lot of them seem to be out of stock right now due to the high demand, but there are also plenty of others available to choose from.
I have chosen the one on the left as it has a high rating, is suitable for all ages, comes with batteries and is currently available. Also the figures shown on the device are shown the right way up to the patient, which some devices have the numbers reversed so that they are shown to perhaps a physician. |
*I am an affiliate of Amazon and therefore earn commission on any purchases made through links on this website.
