Diagnostics
Pulse oximetry
Pulse oximetry records heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. It is used, among other things, to monitor treatment of airway and heart disease.
How is the examination performed?
Pulse oximetry is simple and painless. A small clip sensor is placed on a fingertip (less often on an earlobe). The sensor shines light through the tissue and measures how much of the red blood pigment (haemoglobin) is carrying oxygen. The values appear on the device within a few seconds. No special preparation is needed, and you can leave the practice immediately afterwards.
What can it show?
Pulse oximetry provides two important values within a short time:
- the oxygen saturation of the blood (SpO₂) – how well the blood is supplied with oxygen
- the heart rate (pulse)
Reduced oxygen saturation can indicate lung disease (for example COPD, asthma, pneumonia) or heart disease. The measurement is therefore used both for a first assessment of shortness of breath and for follow-up of known heart and lung disease.
How accurate is the examination?
Modern pulse oximeters measure oxygen saturation reliably – in the usual range usually within about two percentage points of a blood-gas analysis. They are particularly useful for detecting change over time. Cold fingers, poor circulation or nail polish can affect the reading; we take this into account during the measurement.
Benefits at a glance
- Painless and non-invasive – no needle, no physical load.
- Within seconds – the result is available immediately.
- No radiation and can be repeated as often as needed.
- Useful for follow-up of heart and airway disease.
