I'm trying to understand the readings on my oximeter. Sometimes, within 5 seconds, it shows a reading of 97 or 98, but other times it takes 15 or 20 seconds to give a reading. Also, it occasionally shows a very low value like 90 at first and then jumps to 96 or 97 after a few seconds. On the flip side, it might start at 98 and then go down. I'm seeing a range from 90 to 98. Is this kind of fluctuation normal? Which reading should I actually consider? Would appreciate any insight into this!

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Mubarak Parveez B

General Practitioner

MBBS
2+ Yrs

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while you use pulse oximeter, record for few minutes and then consider the value which is recorded after 1 min

Dr. Mubarak Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

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Answered 04/07/2025

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