Pulse Oximeters

Is my pulse oximeter accurate?

The difference between a medical-grade oximeter and a gadget, and what the FDA has said about accuracy on darker skin.

Our bar: FDA cleared as a medical device, not sold "for sport use only". How we check

Explainer · 7 min read Are Pulse Oximeters Less Accurate on Darker Skin? What the FDA and the UK Review Found The FDA says pulse oximeters show some accuracy differences between lighter and darker skin, and a 2024 UK review found they overestimate oxygen levels more on darker skin. What the regulators found, what the FDA's 2025 draft guidance proposes, and what they advise you to do. Read the answer

Explainer · 7 min read How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work? Pulse Oximetry Explained by the FDA and MHRA A pulse oximeter shines red and infrared light through your finger and works out how much of your blood's hemoglobin is carrying oxygen. How pulse oximetry works, what SpO2 really measures, how accurate the FDA and MHRA say these devices are, and what can throw them off. Read the answer

How to · 7 min read How to Use a Pulse Oximeter, and When the NHS and FDA Say to Get Help Warm hands, no nail polish, sit still and wait for a steady number. How to take a pulse oximeter reading the way the FDA describes it, what the numbers on the screen are, and the thresholds NHS England published for when to call 111 or 999. Read the answer

Buying guide · 8 min read The Best Fingertip Pulse Oximeters, Only the FDA Cleared Ones Most pulse oximeters on Amazon are sold "for sport and aviation use only" and were never reviewed by the FDA. These fingertip oximeters are named in an FDA 510(k) clearance, with the link so you can check it yourself. Read the answer