But we did a limited analysis of one app that’s claimed to measure blood oxygen via a cell phone, and found it unlikely to help consumers trying to make a medical determination about their oxygen levels. We did not test at-home pulse oximeters, either stand-alone devices or those that are incorporated into some fitness trackers, such as Fitbits. To look into the question, Consumer Reports talked with physicians, other experts, and the makers of some of these devices, about when they might be appropriate and how to use them properly. Some public figures who’ve tested positive for the coronavirus, like CNN’s Chris Cuomo and Bravo’s Andy Cohen, have been using pulse oximeters in the hope of getting a measure of their lung function while they’re quarantined at home.īut are the kind of pulse oximeters you can buy, or in some cases download to your phone, necessary or even reliable?
Pulse oximeters may be useful because blood oxygen saturation levels that start trending downward could be a sign that your lungs are faltering and that you need to call your doctor.
A low oxygen level in your blood could lead to low oxygen in your tissues, and, ultimately, organ failure. Red blood cells then carry that oxygen to tissue throughout your body, including your brain and other vital organs. Why do blood oxygen levels matter? When you breathe in air, tiny capillaries in your lungs absorb the oxygen, allowing it to enter into your bloodstream.
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