The index or middle finger should be properly inserted in the pulse oximeter (not partially, upside down or tilted sideways). If been engaged in physical activity, rest for 5 minutes before taking the reading. Pulse oximetry should be taken in the sitting position with the hand kept at heart level. An RR >24 is considered abnormally high indicating shortness of breath, while RR >30 requires immediate oxygen support and medical assistance/hospitalization. The respiratory rate (RR) is normally between 12-20 breaths/minute but can increase during physical activity. It can range between 0.02-20% in the population depending on weak to strong pulse, but for a particular person, it usually has a short, given range which can be determined by repeated readings. The perfusion index (PI) shows the blood flow to the finger. The oxygen saturation (SpO2) should ideally be maintained >94% at all times. It can be further higher in people with anxiety, just after physical activity, or in children. The pulse rate can normally show a wide variation of 60-110 beats per minute (bpm). The pulse oximeter measures the pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), the perfusion index (PI), and in some of the machines, (not all) the respiratory rate (RR). The following are 3 important points to be kept in mind while doing and interpreting pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a useful tool for self-monitoring especially in the situation of the COVID pandemic. Pulse oximetry, done by an instrument called the pulse oximeter, measures the pulse rate, and the percentage saturation of oxygen in the blood.

Normal pulse ox