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 Pulse ox in the clinical setting

What is the optimal SpO2 for patients with respiratory failure?

The optimal SpO2 for patients with respiratory failure has not been well established and is still being evaluated. The World Health Organization (WHO) guidance for patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure due to COVID-19 recommends the following targets: Initial SpO2 of >94% for stabilization, then >90% for stable patients who are not pregnant or 92-95% for stable patients who are pregnant. It is important not to make SpO2 goals too high, as this can cause oxygen toxicity and will deplete the oxygen supply more quickly. For more discussion on optimal SpO2 goals in patients with respiratory failure, please read more here.

References: WHO SARI Toolkit

Keywords: target SpO2, goal, respiratory failure, COVID-19

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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

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

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’