Knowing how to use a pulse oximeter can become handy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's how you can actually use it.

How Medical Professionals Use Pulse Oximeters Medical professionals frequently use pulse oximetry to assess a patient’s oxygen level quickly in many settings.

Many pulse oximeters are available to suit different needs. Learn how to choose the best pulse oximeter and what to consider before purchase here.

Monitoring your oxygen level with a pulse oximeter if you have COVID-19 can help determine if it falls too low. Low levels may need medical attention.

Physicians and other medical professionals use pulse oximeters on patients experiencing shortness of breath or those who have a lung or heart conditions to determine if they're getting enough oxygen.

ChoiceMMed sells pulse oximeters for personal use. Its devices may suit people of different ages and with various health issues. Learn more here.

The issue of inaccurate readings for dark-skinned individuals has gotten more widespread attention as the use of pulse oximeters increased dramatically at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

When pulse oximeters were introduced around 50 years ago, they were intended solely for use in hospitals and a handful of other healthcare settings.

The longstanding problem of pulse oximeters providing less-accurate readings for people with dark skin tones got another look Friday from a panel of experts for the US Food and Drug Administration.