What is a pulse oximeter — and how does it work?

If you’re recovering from a respiratory problem — including COVID-19 — chances are you may have had your oxygen levels checked with a pulse oximeter.

Pulse oximetry is the non-invasive measurement of oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Oxygen saturation is defined as the amount of oxygen dissolved in the blood, based on the detection of Hemoglobin, Hb, and Deoxyhemoglobin, HbO₂.

The typical pulse oximeter is a device that clamps on one of your fingers. Home-use oximeters are often battery-powered and self-contained with the oxygen level displayed on a built-in LCD along with heart rate.

Go to our WTWH Media sister site Microcontroller Tips and check out a teardown of a home-use pulse oximeter made by Veridian Healthcare in Illinois.