Locations:
Search IconSearch
June 9, 2020/Health Conditions/Lung

Should You Get a Pulse Oximeter to Measure Blood Oxygen Levels?

Keeping tabs on coronavirus symptoms

Pulse oximeter in use on finger

First, it was hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. The latest item flying off the shelves in response to the 2019 novel coronavirus? The pulse oximeter, a medical device that clips to your finger to measure the amount of oxygen in your blood.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

But is this something you actually need in your medicine cabinet? The answer is, it depends, says pulmonologist Wayne Tsuang, MD.

He breaks down what a pulse oximeter — or “pulse ox”— can tell you, and whether you might want to get one.

Coronavirus and blood oxygen levels

Oxygen is the fuel your body needs to function. Insufficient oxygen in the blood can interfere with the function of the heart and brain.

Doctors have discovered that some people with COVID-19 have dangerously low blood oxygen — even though they don’t feel short of breath.

“We’re seeing reports of ‘silent hypoxia,’ or low oxygen levels in some patients without severe symptoms,” Dr. Tsuang says.

In response to those reports, people have started buying pulse oximeters to keep tabs on their oxygen levels if they get sick.

Should you invest in a pulse ox?

  • If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19: If you’ve caught the virus and are recovering at home, a pulse oximeter can give you some important data points to share with your doctor. If your oxygen levels fall too low, your doctor may want you to come in for more testing or hospital care, Dr. Tsuang says.
  • If you don’t have COVID-19 but have other medical conditions: Buying a pulse oximeter might be a good idea if you have underlying illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease or lung diseases, Dr. Tsuang says. “In those cases, it’s helpful to do at-home monitoring so you can gather more information to give to your doctor.”
  • If you’re healthy: If you’re otherwise healthy and have no symptoms of COVID-19, a pulse oximeter is not a must-have item for your medicine cabinet, Dr. Tsuang says. And just like the Great Toilet Paper Craze of March 2020, there could be shortages if everyone rushes out to buy a pulse oximeter. “We want to make sure people with lung diseases who need the devices for home monitoring still have the opportunity to get them,” he adds.

Advertisement

What to look for in pulse oximeters

Pulse oximeters come in a wide variety of styles and price points. Dr. Tsuang recommends buying one from a reputable store or website, such as a pharmacy or medical device supplier.

Some smart watches and fitness trackers also measure blood oxygen saturation. But they might not be as reliable as medical devices, he cautions, so take the numbers with a grain of salt.

Blood oxygen: How low is too low?

What should you be looking for? A healthy oxygen saturation is typically above 90%. If your number dips below 90%, Dr. Tsuang says, call your doctor for advice.

Remember, too, that low oxygen is just one sign of COVID-19. Even if you have a healthy blood oxygen level, don’t ignore other possible symptoms, like cough or shortness of breath.

“The pulse ox is just one piece of data,” says Dr. Tsuang. “If you have any concerns or questions, your doctor will look at all of your symptoms and vital signs to get the whole picture.”

Advertisement

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

Person asleep in bed at night with a strip of mouth tape over their mouth
July 25, 2025/Sleep
Is Mouth Tape Safe To Use While Sleeping?

Mouth taping may seem promising, but it can actually cause more harm than good, especially if you snore or have sleep apnea

Man steps away from eating at the table to cough with hand on sternum, with partner continuing eating at the table
July 2, 2025/Lung
What’s Going On When Something ‘Goes Down the Wrong Pipe’?

When something like food or drink goes down your windpipe rather than your esophagus, it can cause coughing and sometimes choking

Person on couch, brows furrowed coughing into hand, with other hand on their chest
What Is Respiratory Season, and Are You Ready?

Getting vaccinated in October can help protect you against severe illness between November and March

Older person deep breathing
July 25, 2024/Primary Care
Nose Breathing vs. Mouth Breathing: Which Is Better?

Breathing through your nose is far better for you, but depending on your anatomy, that may not always be possible

person practicing breathwork in meditative pose
May 19, 2023/Wellness
Breathwork for Beginners: What To Know and How To Get Started

Breathing techniques may help move your body into a more relaxed and stress-free state

Fingers pinch nose and press on left nostril but keep other nostril open for breathing.
September 7, 2022/Wellness
How and Why To Try Alternate Nostril Breathing

This style of breathwork can invigorate you and help you focus

Person practicing 4-7-8 breathing while sitting with crossed legs on floor rug.
September 6, 2022/Wellness
How To Do the 4-7-8 Breathing Exercise

Focusing on regulating your breath can help calm your mind

Person exercising on a machine while being monitored for breathing and heart rate
January 19, 2022/Exercise & Fitness
VO2 Max: How To Measure and Improve It

Use your oxygen uptake number as a way to help you train or work out more efficiently

Trending Topics

Person in bed sleeping on their side, covers off
Breathing Problems? Try These Sleep Positions

If you’re feeling short of breath, sleep can be tough — propping yourself up or sleeping on your side may help

A couple looking at skyline, with one person slightly behind the other, head bent down
What Is Anxious Attachment Style — and Do You Have It?

If you fear the unknown or find yourself needing reassurance often, you may identify with this attachment style

Glasses and bottle of yellow-colored prebiotic soda, with mint, lemon and ginger garnish
Are Prebiotic Sodas Good for You?

If you’re looking to boost your gut health, it’s better to get fiber from whole foods

Ad