A pulse oximeter is a simple and widely used piece of medical device which can be highly valuable in a number of areas of medicine. A pulse oximeter is a portable device that measures oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Pulse oximeters can be used for monitoring medical conditions such as COPD and asthma, or by certain sports participants who are interested in measuring oxygen saturation or pulse rate after running or other activities.
Best Pulse Oximeters in UK 2023
1. Anapulse ANP100 Finger Pulse Oximeter
As marketed, the Anapulse ANP100 Finger Pulse Oximeter is a fantastic device for regular oxygen monitoring. It barely takes a few seconds to show you the results, i.e., the Sp02 levels and pulse rate. The best part is that this oximeter is as accurate as the medical devices used by the ambulance crews. The only time you will see inaccurate results is when you don’t have your glasses on. Jokes apart, you can expect a 2% deviation here and there, but that goes with any other oximeter out there. Seriously, this oximeter is so good that it can be used in a professional capacity too. Not to mention that this pocket-size medical device is easy to carry around and clean in between uses.
Pros:
- The display is bright and easily readable. The top number shows the pulse, and the bottom number shows the blood oxygen level.
- It comes with a supply of 2 AAA batteries, which is needed to operate this oximeter.
- To save the battery life, the unit powers off automatically after five seconds of non-use.
- It comes with a little nylon pouch (with belt loop) for ease of carrying.
Cons:
- It’s not worth buying for little babies because their tiny fingers won’t activate the sensors.
2. Jumper Pulse Oximeter Digital Blood Oxygen Saturation SpO2
Manufactured with the highest standards, the Jumper Pulse Oximeter is a cut above the scope. For those who don’t know, this oximeter is designed to measure the oxygen saturation levels, the pulse rate, and the pulse intensity. You just need to push one button, and this device will give you the stats you need in a jiffy. It also turns off on its own some sixteen seconds later. Other than a battery change in periodic intervals, this oximeter is mostly a maintenance-free device. Not to discount the fact that the Jumper Pulse Oximeter comes with a few add-ons to brighten your day, such as a carrying bag, AAA batteries, and a lanyard.
Pros:
- It’s made out of high-density ABS material to live up to rough treatment.
- It meets the standards set by the FDA and CE, which should tell you that you can use this thing in a professional environment too.
- Also, this device doesn’t have pointless features to confuse the heck out of amateur home users.
- According to most purchasers, it’s by far the most accurate oximeter they have ever owned.
Cons:
- If you are reading the stats for yourself, your hand should face you because the stats are upside down.
3. ATMOKO OLED Digital Finger Pulse Oximeter
If you want to keep monitoring your oxygen and pulse rate without a regular trip to a medical practitioner’s office, you should add this little gadget to your wish list. Believe it or not, the readings won’t take more than a few seconds to pop on the screen. It’s like having a high-end thermometer in the house that displays vital health stats. The displayed results can definitely be trusted because a lot of industry experts recommend this digital oximeter without any reservations. In fact, many of them have tested this oximeter against hospital devices with flying colors.
Pros:
- Its multidirectional display allows you to view the results from any angle you like.
- Both the materials and the reading accuracy are comparable to similar devices used in a hospital.
- Because of its small size, this oximeter makes it possible to keep an eye on your health stats on the go.
- It’s designed to consume less power. The included batteries can easily last for thirty plus hours.
Cons:
- The results are not accurate when you use sweaty hands. This issue can be easily remedied by using dry hands for measurement.
- The instructions are written in small prints. That said, you can live without it because of how easy it is to use this oximeter.
4. Liorque Pulse Oximeter
Certified by health care professionals, the Liorque Pulse Oximeter is a highly reliable medical device for home use. It shows your Sp02 and pulse rate on a conveniently large LED display screen. Not to mention that the one-button control makes it a breeze to use this oximeter, allowing you to check your health from the comforts of your home instead of going to the medical practitioner first. Seriously, who could have thought that using a medical device of this nature would be a child’s play? This thing shows real-time health stats within 10 seconds of use. From mountain climbers, bikers, skiers, patients, and family members, this device can be used by just about anyone interested in tracking his/her health stats on the move.
Pros:
- The medical-grade finger mold is meant for both children and adult use
- This best pulse oximeter is as good as other similar medical devices that cost twice the price of this item.
- The oximeter does come with long-lasting batteries, allowing you to use it several hundred times before a battery change.
Cons:
- For best results, you are advised to warm up your fingers before use, which can be achieved by just rubbing your fingers.
5. HAMSWAN Pulse Oximeter
Smart, small, and accurate, the HAMSWAN Pulse Oximeter is a little powerhouse in its own rights. It comes with a pouch, batteries, and peace of mind. You will really feel happy about owning such a quick, comfortable, and accurate medical device that displays immediate results, helping you influence what steps to be taken next. Not to discount the fact it doesn’t nip the fingers like other equivalent products out there. Most importantly, the Sp02 and heart rate error rates are really next to none because this thing uses the latest technology for most accurate results. Once it shows the results, it will automatically power off within eight seconds.
Pros:
- According to most past purchasers, it’s well-boxed, and it arrives ahead of time.
- It’s comfortable and convenient to put on your finger. It’s suitable for kids too.
- It also has a low battery indication on it, alerting you to keep the next set of battery ready.
- Given its nice built quality, the oximeter will serve you well for a good number of years.
Cons:
- The HAMSWAN Pulse Oximeter is pricier than other oximeters out there. But then, this oximeter is totally worth the spending.
How does a finger pulse oximeter work?
A finger pulse oximeter uses the red color of blood to measure the percent of oxygen that is saturated within an individual’s blood. Red blood cells are red because they contain protein chemical called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin contains iron, which is utilized for transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide. When blood passes through the lungs, oxygen molecules attach to the hemoglobin making them oxyhemoglobin. Hemoglobin releases oxygen while blood passes through the body’s tissue becoming deoxyhemoglobin. The empty hemoglobin molecules then bond with the tissue’s carbon dioxide or other waste gases, transporting it away.
During this process, the color of blood changes. The finger pulse oximeter detects these changes through two light emitting diodes and two sensors on the opposite side of the finger. One diode sends out red light while the other sends out infrared light. Oxygenated blood absorbs light at 660nm (red light), whereas deoxygenated blood absorbs light preferentially at 940nm (infra-red). The relative absorption of light by oxyhemoglobin (HbO) and deoxyhemoglobin is processed by the device and an oxygen saturation level is reported.
The body naturally delivers oxygenated blood in arteries and returns deoxygenated blood in veins. To ensure only the oxygenated blood levels are measured, Finger pulse oximeters are programmed to detect pulsetile blood, which only occurs in veins.
Using Pulse Oximeter
Pulse oximeters are designed to measure the percentage of oxygen molecules which are being carried by each hemoglobin molecule. A normal reading of oxygen saturation in the blood typically ranges from 95-100%. However, certain medical conditions and health related variables can reduce the threshold of a normal reading to as low as 90%. To determine what a normal blood oxygen level is for yourself, it is best to consult a physician.
The heart rate, or pulse rate, is determined by a pulse oximeter by measuring the expansion and contraction of blood vessels with each heartbeat. Nearly all oximeters on the market that measure blood oxygen also measure heart rates. Combined, this data is especially useful for athletes, those monitoring themselves that have health conditions and of course by medical professionals.
The majority of pulse oximeters are attached to a finger, which is typically the index finger. To obtain an accurate reading, it is important to be aware of certain conditions that may exist which distort readings. To obtain an accurate reading, the finger to which the pulse oximeter is attached should be free from nail polish. Black nail polish, for example, can prevent accurate readings. If the subject has cold hands and fingers, this too can prevent an accurate reading. Providing that neither of the aforementioned conditions exist, to obtain an accurate measurement the pulse oximeter must be securely clipped onto the finger.
While the cost of pulse oximeters has fallen in recent years, their availability should never replace an accurate reading in a professional medical office with qualified physicians overseeing the treatment of a patient. Self monitoring pulse oximeters are used not only for those monitoring their own blood oxygen and heart rate levels, but athletes in training, pilots in high altitudes and other applications.
Finger Pulse Oximeter Limitations
- Poor positioning of the finger pulse oximeter.
- Nail polish can give readings are capable false low readings
- Any issues which may cause poor tissue perfusion such as hypovoliemia, hypotension, cold extremities, hypothermia, or cardiac arrest.
- Some Cardiac valvular defects can cause venous pulsation resulting in a finger pulse oximeter reading venous blood and recording low SpO2 levels. Tricuspid regurgitation is one defect.
- Finger pulse oximeters accuracy decreases as the value decreases. Readings below 70% are not reliable.
- Cardiac arrhythmias that alter arterial pulsation can disrupt the finger pulse oximeter from recording an accurate reading.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning causing carboxyhaemoglobin cannot be distinguished from oxygen resulting in finger pulse oximeters giving false readings of 100%. Finger pulse oximeters should not be utilized when carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected
- Abnormal haemoglobins such as methaemoglobinaemia, for example following overdose of prilocaine, cause readings to tend towards 85%.
- Age, sex, or skin color does not have a significant effect on finger pulse oximeter readings