- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox)
What Is Pulse Oximetry?
Pulse oximetry (often called pulse ox) is a painless test to measure how much oxygen is in the blood.
Why Is Pulse Oximetry Done?
Doctors may order pulse oximetry to see if there is enough oxygen in the blood. Oxygen levels may be low with lung infections, asthma, heart problems, allergic reactions, after anesthesia, and with other medical conditions.
How Should We Prepare for Pulse Oximetry?
If your child has nail polish on, it may need to be removed to allow the pulse ox to accurately measure the oxygen level.
What Happens During Pulse Oximetry?
During pulse oximetry, a small painless clip or bandage is put on a child's finger, toe, foot, or earlobe. This is called a sensor, and uses light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood.
Sometimes pulse ox is done once to get a single oxygen reading, and sometimes the sensor is left on for continuous monitoring of oxygen levels. If the sensor isn't put on well, it can affect the reading and make the oxygen level look lower than it actually is.
Can I Stay With My Child During Pulse Oximetry?
Parents can stay while their child wears the pulse ox sensor.
How Long Does Pulse Oximetry Take?
It usually takes a few seconds for the sensor to get the reading it needs. If your child is calm and staying still, it can help the pulse ox be more accurate.
When Are the Results Ready?
Pulse ox results are available immediately.
Are There Any Risks From Pulse Oximetry?
Pulse oximetry is a safe test. Occasionally, the sensor can cause skin irritation.
If you have questions about the pulse ox, speak with the doctor or another health professional on your child's care team.