The requirement for pulse oximetry measurements

Pulse oximetry may be used to see if there is enough oxygen in the blood. This information is needed in many kinds of situations. It may be used: • During or after surgery or procedures that use sedationrn• To see how well lung medicines are workingrn• To check a person’s ability to handle increased activity levelsrn• To see if a ventilator is needed to help with breathing, or to see how well it’s workingrn• To check a person has moments when breathing stops during sleep (sleep apnea)rnPulse oximetry is also used to check the health of a person with any condition that affects blood oxygen levels, such as: • Heart attackrn• Heart failurern• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) • Anemiarn• Lung cancerrn• Asthmarn• Pneumonia Your healthcare provider may have other reasons to advise pulse oximetry.rnWhat are the risks of pulse oximetry?rnAll procedures have some risks. The risks of this procedure may include: • Incorrect reading if the probe falls off the earlobe, toe, or fingerrn• Skin irritation from adhesive on the probernYour risks may vary depending on your general health and other factors. Ask your healthcare provider which risks apply most to you. Talk with him or her about any concerns you have.rnHow do I get ready for pulse oximetry?rnYour healthcare provider will explain the procedure to you. Make sure to ask any questions you have about the procedure. If a finger probe is to be used, you may be asked to remove fingernail polish.rnYour healthcare provider may have other instructions for getting ready.rnWhat happens during pulse oximetry?rnYou may have your procedure as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay in the hospital. The way the procedure is done may vary. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider's methods. In most cases, pulse oximetry will follow this process:rn1. A clip-like device called a probe will be placed on your finger or earlobe. Or, a probe with sticky adhesive may be placed on your forehead or finger.rn2. The probe may be left on for ongoing monitoring.rn3. Or it may be used to take a single reading. The probe will be removed after the test.rnWhat happens after pulse oximetry?rnYou can go home after the test, unless you are in the hospital for another reason. You may go back to your normal diet and activities as instructed by your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may give you other instructions after the procedure.