Why people are buying pulse oximeters

Pharmacies are reporting a surge in demand for pulse oximeters – but critics say they are not accurate or even useful for everyone. Find out if they’re suitable for you.

Experts have expressed mixed feelings about recommending pulse oximeters, not wanting to cause a general run on yet another product that is really only of use to people who have serious pre-existing health conditions.

Additionally, some smartwatches and smartphones have pulse oximeter functions already, making the purchase of a stand-alone product redundant.

The device painlessly measures the amount of oxygen in the blood, with readings in the high 90s considered normal, and readings in the low 90s a cause for serious concern, even hospitalisation.

Brenton Hart, Chief Pharmacist for Terry White Chemmart, said there was already “strong demand for sales and a lot of questions coming through” but advised customers speak to their GPs about the need for the devices.

There has also been concern about the variable quality of pulse oximeters, with some suggestions they are less accurate for people with darker skin.

Mobile phone with My Health Care Manager app installed, digital thermometer and oximeter.. Picture: Chris Kidd

Dr Karen Price, President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, said where the devices can be of value, is their ability to signal quick declines in patient welfare, which can be a characteristic of Covid-19 illness.

“If (the person with Covid-19) has got rapidly deteriorating shortness of breath, and that means they can’t really get up from the bed or couch to go to the toilet without getting severely short of breath – that’s a concern,” she said.

Dr Karen Price.

Brenton Hart, Chief Pharmacist with Terry White Chemmart. Picture: Supplied

“If they’re feeling light-headed or dizzy when they stand up, that can be a sign of severe dehydration, or if they’ve got chest pain, these are the sorts of things we really want to know about. You can go right into respiratory failure which is very severe and that needs triple-0.”

Other signs to watch out for include low blood pressure, clammy and cold peripheral limbs, and impairment of consciousness, Dr Price said. In infants danger signs include an increase in drowsiness – “what we call a floppy infant” – and poor feeding.

Dr Price stressed that people should not feel shy about seeking help if they needed it.

“The health system is ready for you, so don’t delay seeking treatment if you do feel yourself deteriorating. It can occur to anybody and it can occur very quickly, so if you’re living alone make sure you’ve got someone checking up on you regularly – and if you haven’t got anyone, then that will need to be a health service,” she said.