Pulse Oximeter
Pulse Oximeters – Fingertip SpO2 & Heart Rate Monitors for Home & Clinical Use
A pulse oximeter is a non-invasive medical device that measures blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate by passing light through the fingertip. Following widespread use during the COVID-19 pandemic, pulse oximeters have become standard home health monitoring devices across India. At Meddey, our pulse oximeter collection includes fingertip pulse oximeters, paediatric clip oximeters, wrist-type oximeters, and continuous monitoring oximeters for home use, clinics, hospitals, and emergency services.
How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work?
Pulse oximeters work using photoplethysmography. Two LEDs emit red (660 nm) and infrared (940 nm) light through a translucent body part (typically the fingertip). Oxygenated haemoglobin absorbs more infrared light and allows more red light to pass through. Deoxygenated haemoglobin does the opposite. A photodetector measures the ratio of transmitted light to calculate SpO2 percentage. The pulsatile component of the signal is used to calculate heart rate simultaneously.
Types of Pulse Oximeters at Meddey
Fingertip Pulse Oximeters: Compact clip-on devices for fingertip use. Most common type for home use and spot-checking in clinics. Display SpO2 and pulse rate on an integrated screen.
Paediatric Pulse Oximeters: Smaller clip or wrap-style probes designed for infants and children's smaller fingers and toes. Essential for paediatric wards and home monitoring of children with respiratory conditions.
Wrist Oximeters: Continuous overnight monitoring devices worn on the wrist with a finger probe. Used for sleep apnoea screening and overnight oxygen monitoring in COPD patients on oxygen therapy.
Table-Top / Bedside Oximeters: Clinical monitoring oximeters with alarms, data storage, and larger displays for ICU and ward use.
Normal SpO2 Values and When to Be Concerned
Normal blood oxygen saturation is 95–100% in healthy adults at sea level. Readings of 92–94% warrant medical attention, particularly in patients with respiratory conditions. SpO2 below 90% indicates hypoxemia requiring immediate medical evaluation. Patients with COPD may have baseline SpO2 of 88–92%, and acceptable targets differ from healthy individuals.
Who Needs a Pulse Oximeter at Home?
Pulse oximeters are particularly valuable for patients with asthma, COPD, heart failure, sleep apnoea, post-COVID respiratory symptoms, and those on supplemental oxygen therapy. Athletes use them to monitor oxygen saturation during high-altitude activities and intense exercise.
Why Buy Pulse Oximeters from Meddey?
Meddey offers CE-certified and clinically accurate pulse oximeters for home and professional use. Our range is trusted by clinicians for accuracy across a range of skin tones and perfusion states.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are fingertip pulse oximeters? Quality pulse oximeters are accurate to ±2% SpO2 in the range of 70–100%. Accuracy can be reduced by cold fingers, nail polish, poor perfusion, and movement artefact. Multiple readings should be taken for reliable assessment.
Do I need a prescription to buy a pulse oximeter? No prescription is required for home-use pulse oximeters in India. Clinical-grade devices may require institutional procurement.