A pulse oximeter is a medical device used to measure the oxygen saturation level of a person’s blood. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) is the percentage of oxygen-saturated hemoglobin in the arterial blood. This measurement is important because it indicates how well oxygen is being transported to the body’s extremities, such as the fingers and toes.

Pulse oximeters are commonly used in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and home care. They are particularly useful for monitoring patients with respiratory conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and during surgeries or recovery.