Pulse oximeter

[MustBeThursday]

Does anyone use a pulse oximeter? I know healthy is above 94%, is it ok if it drops below (say into the 80s) but then comes back up within a few minutes?

It could be a faulty reading especially if the instructions aren't being followed
How is the person feeling.

Do you mean the oxygen levels?

I use one as I have issues with fast heart rate, my oxygen levels are always 98% or above. I guess it depends on what is normal for that person, it can also depend on their age and fitness, wether they smoke etc..

@Didkdt alert but out of breath. Generally achy and exhausted as on day 5/6 suspected covid

If it comes straight back up then that is fine, it's probably a tracing error. They are sensitive to movement and also skin temperature so they struggle to pick up with cold fingers and toes.

96-100 is fine. They are not that accurate if used when moving. I have mild lung disease, aged 40, 96-98 is normal for me and I desaturate to 80s during exercise but recover quickly (seconds/minutes).

Regular reading under 95 with no pre-exisiting condition in someone young would be a query.

Fairgame it takes a few minutes but does come back up