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When infected with Covid-19, some patients will experience silent hypoxia, ie the oxygen saturation in the blood decreases, but the patient is still completely healthy and has no difficulty breathing. Therefore, measuring blood oxygen levels will help patients detect this condition early and get medical intervention in time.Video content is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Ngoc Bach, Respiratory Internal Medicine Doctor, Vinmec Times City International Hospital
1. 6 steps to check blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) at home
To test your blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) at home you can follow these 6 steps:Step 1: Clean nails, do not let long nails, fake nails, nail polish Step 2: Rest at least 5 minutes before measuring. Step 3: Rub your hands together to warm them up. Step 4: Turn on the machine, put your middle finger or index finger into the mouth of the machine so that the finger is clamped tightly. Step 5: Press the power button to start the machine. Do not move your hand during measurement. The measurement result will be displayed on the screen after a few seconds. Step 6: At the end of the measurement, pull out your finger, after a few seconds the device will automatically turn off, record the measurement results. However, measurements may not be accurate for people who have used contrast media, who have abnormal hemoglobin levels, especially in cases of carbon monoxide poisoning and poisoning with other substances. methemoglobin, people with hypotension, severe vasospasm, anemia, or hypothermia.
Besides measuring Spo2, F0 need to contact medical staff when the pulse rate is less than 60 times/minute or greater than 100 times/minute when the person being measured is resting. This threshold value does not apply to children, athletes and people with a history of cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia.
SpO2 index is considered as one of the vital signs of the body, used in emergency resuscitation, detecting CO poisoning, diagnosing low blood pressure, diagnosing anemia, detecting hypoventilation. when the patient is breathing normally, supporting the treatment of many respiratory diseases.
Kiểm tra độ bão hòa oxy trong máu
2. Refer to the standard SpO2 index scale
We can refer to the standard SpO2 index scale below:SpO2 from 97 - 99%: Good blood oxygen index SpO2 from 94 - 96%: Average blood oxygen index, need to breathe more oxygen SpO2 from 90% to 93%: Low blood oxygen index, need to consult a doctor SpO2 less than 92% without oxygen or less than 95% with oxygen: Signs of very severe respiratory failure SpO2 less than 90%: Manifestation of a clinical emergency SpO2 index in newborn: over 94% How to monitor SpO2 index:
In order to get an accurate measurement, it is necessary to accurately monitor the SpO2 wave according to the pulse beat. Monitor closely and continuously to be alert for alarms that occur to promptly handle when SpO2 is low.
Notes when measuring SpO2 index:
If the patient uses the meter for a long time, it should be noted because it may be injured in the finger used to measure, or when the probe is clamped too tightly.
If the patient has a very low SpO2, it is necessary to observe the clinical manifestations for prompt emergency treatment.
SpO2 values may also be inaccurate if the patient has hypotension or vasoconstriction resulting in decreased blood flow and arteriolar bounce.
In case the patient has CO poisoning, in addition to measuring SpO2, it is necessary to perform an arterial blood gas test to accurately assess the oxygen saturation in the blood.
