Description
The Virolizer oximeter is a pulse oximeter, a small clip on device that estimates the oxygen saturation of the blood and counts the pulse rate. It shines light through the fingertip and works out how much oxygen the blood is carrying, showing the result as a percentage alongside a pulse figure. To take a reading, sit still and rest the hand at heart level, warm cold fingers first, remove nail varnish or false nails, and let the reading settle for about a minute before noting it.
Readings can be misleading if circulation is poor, if the hand is cold or moving, or where skin pigmentation affects the measurement, and a normal reading does not rule out illness. A reading never replaces clinical assessment, and worsening breathlessness needs urgent medical advice.
- Fingertip pulse oximeter, estimates blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate
- Warm the hand, sit still and remove nail varnish before reading
- Poor circulation, movement and skin pigmentation can affect readings
- A normal reading does not rule out illness
- Does not replace clinical assessment
