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Original poster

Oxygen levels

27 replies

Janet335 · 19/01/2022 10:57

So those with Covid , what should oxygen levels be before you ring GP? Online it says 92% but that seems a bit late to get help before things get serious.

OP posts:
Luckymummytoone · 20/01/2022 14:07

Mine were 93/94 and GP said they were reassuring!!
Said any below 92 to call back! X

PolytheneRam · 20/01/2022 14:10

Covid oxygen target sats are 92-94 per cent.

Source: until last week I worked on a respiratory ward. (I now work in A&E)

CatAlice · 20/01/2022 14:26

I can second what @PolytheneRam says. I was on a covid ward and the target was 92%.
If it gets to 92% and you can't improve it by deep breathing then get advice.

Original poster
Janet335 · 20/01/2022 15:51

Thanks. They were 93/94 but improving now.

OP posts:
BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 16:33

Sorry to hop on this. Currently have COVID and have checked with an oximeter - getting readings between 81 and 88.
Problem being I have acrylic nails on. I know it's working as my DS who is also positive is thankfully reading at 100, but mine is low. I've used it with acrylics on before and never get lower than 98 usually.

I'm concerned but also don't want to waste anyone's time if my nails are causing the false reading!

ZippyZap · 27/01/2022 16:40

Think you'll have to take a nail off I'm afraid!!

belimoo · 27/01/2022 16:42

Could you try putting it on a toe instead?

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 16:45

I've got shellac on my toes - Sod's law today was actually my appointment to have my nails taken off before elective surgery next week but tested positive last night.

Sidge · 27/01/2022 16:47

@BillyAndTheSillies try clipping the sats probe on your earlobe if all nails have covering.

Mickarooni · 27/01/2022 16:55

@BillyAndTheSillies

Sorry to hop on this. Currently have COVID and have checked with an oximeter - getting readings between 81 and 88. Problem being I have acrylic nails on. I know it's working as my DS who is also positive is thankfully reading at 100, but mine is low. I've used it with acrylics on before and never get lower than 98 usually.

I'm concerned but also don't want to waste anyone's time if my nails are causing the false reading!

That’s potentially extremely concerning - if correct - and you’d need urgent medical attention. I’d suggest you remove the nailvarnish from your index finger. Sorry Flowers
BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 17:12

Thanks @Sidge - gave that a go but no reading. Will try again when not wrestling a 2 year old. Both glued to me today. DH should be home from work shortly.

@Mickarooni they're false nails and totally bonded to my real ones. Will try and dig out some acetone to take it off as I'm getting concerned. Tried again with warm hands and getting 88.

FindingMeno · 27/01/2022 17:16

I went down to 92 but didn't feel particularly breathless.

Mickarooni · 27/01/2022 17:26

@BillyAndTheSillies

Thanks *@Sidge* - gave that a go but no reading. Will try again when not wrestling a 2 year old. Both glued to me today. DH should be home from work shortly.

@Mickarooni they're false nails and totally bonded to my real ones. Will try and dig out some acetone to take it off as I'm getting concerned. Tried again with warm hands and getting 88.

Aaaah that’s annoying. I’ve found acetone does eventually get them off.
GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 27/01/2022 17:34

@BillyAndTheSillies can you clip it to your ear lobe for a reading?

GreatBigBeautifulTommorow · 27/01/2022 17:35

Sorry I see that’s already been suggested!

LottiesLaundry · 27/01/2022 18:00

Are you sure that's not the heart rate reading?

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 18:02

Pretty certain. This is my third rodeo with covid, despite being triple jabbed. The joys of immunosuppressants!

Oxygen levels
nocoolnamesleft · 27/01/2022 18:05

HR of 41? Are you an incredibly fit athlete? If not, it isn't picking up properly.

HeyBlaby · 27/01/2022 18:08

It won't work properly with pink nail varnish/false nails unfortunately.

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 18:13

That's almost reassuring @nocoolnamesleft - fit yes, athlete definitely not!!

I've used it with nails before - last time being at Christmas and never recorded lower than 97 and it was so it's these exact same nails which is why I was concerned. I'll leave it alone for today I think, and more importantly order some acetone to take it off!

HSHorror · 27/01/2022 18:25

Ours was low before xmas and i think we u need to check its bsttery.but obviously that was all of ys lower than usual and without covid

Greybeardy · 27/01/2022 18:32

Couple of suggestions: turn the probe sideways so it’s reading from one side to the other rather than front to back. Try taking your pulse manually (probably easiest at the neck) and see if it is 41 or there abouts - if the probe is picking up your pulse accurately it’s more likely that the sats are real. Have a very low threshold for getting real life advice from a real life HCP if you are immunosuppressed as you may not have the same signs/symptoms as someone with an intact immune system.

CatAlice · 27/01/2022 18:37

It won't be accurate with false nails, or on earlobes. I was in hospital with covid and a fellow patient had to remove the nail stuff as they couldn't get a reliable reading.
If you don't feel short of breath that's no guarantee your o2 is okay.

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 18:40

@Greybeardy thank you, no idea why I didn't try that sooner!

BillyAndTheSillies · 27/01/2022 18:41

Pic didn't attach.

Oxygen levels