Pulse oximeter guides · Canada
How to use a fingertip pulse oximeter
Learn which numbers the clip displays, how to help it pick up a steady signal and what to write down if a health care provider asks you to track readings at home.
Get a steady reading
- Read your model’s instructions and use the sensor and placement they specify. A finger clip should fit securely without forcing it.
- Rest your hand, keep the finger still and warm it gently if it is cold.
- Wait for the values to settle. Keep bright light off the sensor if the instructions flag it as a source of interference.
Health Canada lists poor sensor fit, movement, some nail coverings and cold hands among the factors that can affect a reading. The result can also be less accurate in people with darker skin.
Match each number to its label
SpO₂ is the estimated blood oxygen saturation, shown as a percentage. PR or bpm is the pulse rate in beats per minute. Some devices also show a pulse waveform or a perfusion index. Check the labels when you copy the numbers.
Keep a short, consistent record
Use the timing and conditions your health care provider gave you. Write down the date, time, SpO₂, pulse, any symptoms and anything that could have affected the measurement. If you logged the wrong number, keep that clear in the record instead of guessing what the device showed.
| When | SpO₂ (%) | Pulse (bpm) | Conditions and symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date and time | Value shown | Value shown | Notes |
When the number does not match how you feel
Health Canada advises looking at symptoms and changes over time alongside the reading. Seek medical help if symptoms are concerning, including trouble breathing or chest pain, even when the number looks reassuring. Follow the action plan your health care provider gave you if you have one. Contact the manufacturer for persistent display or sensor problems.