US Medical Term · tests
Pulse Oximetry
Oximetría de Pulso
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Pulse Oximetry |
| Spanish (Español) | Oximetría de Pulso |
| Chinese (中文) | 脈搏血氧飽和度測量 |
| Korean (한국어) | 맥박 산소 측정 (산소포화도 검사) |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Đo độ bão hòa oxy (SpO2) |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Pulse Oximetry |
| Portuguese (Português) | Oximetria de Pulso |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การวัดออกซิเจนในเลือด |
| Japanese (日本語) | パルスオキシメトリー（血中酸素測定） |
What it means
Pulse oximetry is a quick, painless test that measures how much oxygen your blood is carrying. A small clip-like device called a pulse oximeter is placed on your fingertip, earlobe, or toe. It uses light beams to detect the color of your blood, which changes depending on how much oxygen it contains. Normal oxygen saturation is 95 to 100 percent. Results are displayed within seconds. The test is often done in a doctor's office, emergency room, or at home with a personal device. Cold fingers, nail polish, or poor circulation may affect accuracy. Pulse oximetry is used to monitor patients with breathing problems, heart conditions, or during or after surgery to ensure adequate oxygen levels.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My pulse oximeter at home reads 93 — should I go to the emergency room?
Mi oxímetro en casa marca 93 — ¿debo ir a urgencias?
Does nail polish affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading?
¿El esmalte de uñas afecta la exactitud del oxímetro?
What is a normal oxygen saturation level for someone my age?
¿Cuál es un nivel normal de saturación de oxígeno para alguien de mi edad?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026