What Is Pulse Oximetry? ulse oximetry is frequently done as one of the vital signs during a medical provider visit and certain patients, particularly allows for simple, non-invasive testing during a time of day that could not otherwise be monitored. Many individuals with chronic lung disease desaturate at night because of changes in breathing patterns with sleep and positional compression of the chest due to gravity. This test gives providers an idea of whether an individual may require supplemental oxygen during the night. P oximetry at home. Pulse oximetry, commonly known as a pulse ox. is a test that measures the oxygen saturation - or level of oxygen in the blood. It is a painless way to tell if enough oxygen is being sent to the organs and other areas of the body. The measurement is usually taken with a small clip-like device that fits over a finger, or sometimes a toe or earlobe, and uses light to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood. The result is expressed in a percentage from 0-100%. Such devices also usually measure the pulse, or heart rate, at the same time. This can be especially useful for patients with abnormalities in heart rhythm. Patients with lung diseases, heart diseases, and anemia can all benefit from the measurement of pulse oximetry at home as well as in the medical setting. It is important for such patients to know if their oxygen levels are falling below that required for adequate function. Ideally, most patients should have a pulse oximetry reading of 90% or greater. Any readings below that suggest that the oxygen level is too low for organs such as the brain and heart to function optimally. Patient may have no specific symptoms of low oxygen, or have only mild shortness of breath and fatigue, even though their pulse oximetry is below 90%. However, organs such as the brain and heart can still be negatively affected. Those with oxygen levels of 88% or below may qualify for supplemental oxygen therapy. Medical providers sometimes order a test called night oximetry. which involves wearing a special pulse oximeter while sleeping that records the oxygen level continuously throughout the night. This Depending on an individual's medical condition, a clinical provider may recommend that a pulse oximeter be obtained and used at home to monitor oxygen levels. A pulse ox can usually be purchased starting at around $15-20 from any pharmacy or store that includes pharmaceuticals. They can also be ordered online. Some simply report the pulse oximetry and pulse, while more expensive units may link to a cell phone for result trending and alarms. CARD often recommends a pulse oximeter for our patients, especially those with significant lung disease. At times, we have a few units available free of charge for those who need one but are financially unable to afford it. If you are a CARD patient, contact us at (406) 293-9274 to make an appointment. Your provider can help you decide if pulse oximetry should be part of your medical regimen. If you are financially unable to afford a pulse oximeter that has been recommended. we can likely provide one during your visit at the provider's recommendation as long as supplies last. If you are not diagnosed with an asbestos related disease and would like to be screened, please call today or visit our website to complete an application for free CDC-funded asbestos health screening. Co CARD Testing available locally or from a distance. Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295. Ongoing care not covered. Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application. 150002 What Is Pulse Oximetry ? ulse oximetry is frequently done as one of the vital signs during a medical provider visit and certain patients , particularly allows for simple , non - invasive testing during a time of day that could not otherwise be monitored . Many individuals with chronic lung disease desaturate at night because of changes in breathing patterns with sleep and positional compression of the chest due to gravity . This test gives providers an idea of whether an individual may require supplemental oxygen during the night . P oximetry at home . Pulse oximetry , commonly known as a pulse ox . is a test that measures the oxygen saturation - or level of oxygen in the blood . It is a painless way to tell if enough oxygen is being sent to the organs and other areas of the body . The measurement is usually taken with a small clip - like device that fits over a finger , or sometimes a toe or earlobe , and uses light to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood . The result is expressed in a percentage from 0-100 % . Such devices also usually measure the pulse , or heart rate , at the same time . This can be especially useful for patients with abnormalities in heart rhythm . Patients with lung diseases , heart diseases , and anemia can all benefit from the measurement of pulse oximetry at home as well as in the medical setting . It is important for such patients to know if their oxygen levels are falling below that required for adequate function . Ideally , most patients should have a pulse oximetry reading of 90 % or greater . Any readings below that suggest that the oxygen level is too low for organs such as the brain and heart to function optimally . Patient may have no specific symptoms of low oxygen , or have only mild shortness of breath and fatigue , even though their pulse oximetry is below 90 % . However , organs such as the brain and heart can still be negatively affected . Those with oxygen levels of 88 % or below may qualify for supplemental oxygen therapy . Medical providers sometimes order a test called night oximetry . which involves wearing a special pulse oximeter while sleeping that records the oxygen level continuously throughout the night . This Depending on an individual's medical condition , a clinical provider may recommend that a pulse oximeter be obtained and used at home to monitor oxygen levels . A pulse ox can usually be purchased starting at around $ 15-20 from any pharmacy or store that includes pharmaceuticals . They can also be ordered online . Some simply report the pulse oximetry and pulse , while more expensive units may link to a cell phone for result trending and alarms . CARD often recommends a pulse oximeter for our patients , especially those with significant lung disease . At times , we have a few units available free of charge for those who need one but are financially unable to afford it . If you are a CARD patient , contact us at ( 406 ) 293-9274 to make an appointment . Your provider can help you decide if pulse oximetry should be part of your medical regimen . If you are financially unable to afford a pulse oximeter that has been recommended . we can likely provide one during your visit at the provider's recommendation as long as supplies last . If you are not diagnosed with an asbestos related disease and would like to be screened , please call today or visit our website to complete an application for free CDC - funded asbestos health screening . Co CARD Testing available locally or from a distance . Screening provided through CDC grant # 5NU61TS000295 . Ongoing care not covered . Center for Asbestos Related Disease SCREENING // HEALTHCARE // EDUCATION // RESEARCH // OUTREACH Call 293-9274 or stop by 214 E. 3rd St to pick up a screening application . 150002