How to use a pulse oximeter Archives

Pulse Oximetry FAQ

This FAQ has been compiled by our team of experts. Please submit your questions at the bottom of this page!

Pulse Oximetry FAQ

How to use a pulse oximeter

Does it matter which finger I place the SpO2 probe on?

How do I operate a pulse oximeter?

How does a pulse oximeter work?

Other than heart rate and SpO2, what else can pulse oximeters measure?

What are the different types of pulse oximeter?

What is the role of pulse oximetry in COVID-19?

Where on the body can pulse oximeters be used to measure SpO2?

You have additional questions?

Submit a question

Healthy Human Performance Tests

To meet 2017 ISO standards (80601-2-61) or 2013 FDA guideline adherence for clinical use, pulse oximeter performance must be tested in healthy humans in a laboratory setting. Independent device testing for the Open Oximetry Project follows our protocol consistent with ISO and FDA. Only devices labeled as ‘verified’ or ‘failed’ have been independently tested by the Open Oximetry Project.
All other devices listed show data from manufacturers or published literature and have not been confirmed by the Open Oximetry team. Scoring criteria will be modified based on evolving data on this topic. See the table below for scoring criteria for this category:

No Data

1 (red)

>4%

2 (red)

<4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for dark skin color of >4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for PI<1 in dark or light skin color of >4%

3 (yellow)

<4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for dark skin color of 3-4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for PI<1 in dark or light skin color of 3-4%

4 (green)

<3%

AND No data for or against performance problems in darker skin colors

AND No data for or against performance problems in low perfusion

5 (green)

<3%

AND Extended testing beyond ISO/FDA recommendations Criteria TBD April 2023

* only independently tested devices by OpenOximetry (Hypoxia Lab and Clinimark Lab) get labeled as ‘verified’