Oxygen is one of the key ingredients for keeping humans alive. We breathe it in via the lungs, and then it travels throughout the body by binding itself to haemoglobin in the blood. 

One of the many tools in a medical equipment kit is a pulse oximeter, such as the Spencer BT-710 pulse oximeter. It provides a simple way to measure the blood oxygen saturation level of a patient in a non-invasive manner. 

Why is measuring blood oxygen saturation important?

Vital organs and tissues in the body consume oxygen and nutrients in a very specific balance.  Blood oxygen levels for healthy humans are around 95-100 per cent oxygen. 

If a patient has less than 80 per cent oxygen saturation, organs can fail, and there is a risk of respiratory or cardiac arrest. 

A pulse oximeter can tell us whether oxygen saturation levels have dropped and treatment such as supplemental oxygen might be needed. It can also flag an early warning sign and give diagnostic information for certain conditions.

How do you use a Spencer BT-710 pulse oximeter?

The method for using the Spencer BT-710 pulse oximeter is simple, whether used by a medical professional in a clinic setting or for use at home. The 4.3-inch touch screen has easy-to-use functions and clearly numbered results. 

Prepare

First, rest for five minutes and keep your hand elevated at the height of the heart. Make sure that your hands are not cold and you are not wearing nail varnish, acrylic nails or rings.

Turn it on

Turn on the pulse oximeter and put your middle or index finger in it so your nail is covered. 

Take the reading

Keep still for at least a minute while the machine takes a reading. 

Read the results

The screen will show both blood oxygen saturation as a percentage and your pulse rate as beats per minute. Note the highest of the readings that you see.

What to do next

It is good practice to record the results, including the time and date, and your general wellness, so that changes can be seen over time. The NHS guidance on pulse oximeters recommends checking your oxygen saturation three times daily. 

If you have concerns about your blood oxygen levels or are struggling to breathe, contact a medical professional. 

Further guidance on using a pulse oximeter at home can be found on the NHS site. Advice includes when you should seek medical help, for example, if your blood oxygen levels are below 95 per cent, urgent assistance may be required.