Best PO2 Meters for Monitoring Health During Coronavirus

June 8, 2020 by Angie Long

If you've ever experienced shortness of breath or had a condition that required your doctor to check your oxygen levels, you may have had a PO2 meter placed on your finger temporarily. Otherwise known as a pulse oximeter, it measures the percentage of oxygen in your red blood cells, according to the American Lung Association. 

PO2 meters are completely painless as they analyze the light that it shines passes through the finger to determine the amount of oxygen in your red blood cells. The meter then presents you with a saturation number. If the saturation number is too low, you then know that you should probably take supplemental oxygen. 

These meters have been helpful to COVID-19 patients who experience shortness of breath as a common symptom. Since shortness of breath can cause worry, a PO2 meter can either reassure them that they are indeed still getting enough oxygen, or let them know that they should take their supplemental oxygen. It can also provide users an indication that they should seek a coronavirus test if having another health risk or, for healthier individuals, to temporarily self-isolate.

5 Best PO2 Meters Available Now

Listed below are some of the best PO2 meters according to online reviews:

• Ankovo Finger Pulse Oximeter - $39.99 - This PO2 meter takes between 8-10 seconds to supply a reading of SpO2 oxygen saturation as well as pulse rate and strength, and heartbeats per minute. It fits finger sizes of children over the age of 4 and most adults. 

• Santa Medical Generation 2 Finger Pulse Oximeter - $29.99 - This PO2 meter offers a self-adjusting finger clamp and an easy-to-use one-button design. It offers over 30 hours of continuous monitoring using two AAA batteries and also has a lanyard for hanging around the neck for convenience.

• Zacurate Pro Series 500 DL PO2 Meter - $34.95 - This is an Amazon best seller, although it doesn't accommodate children under 12 years of age. It markets itself as the only PO2 meter that can read and display up to 100% for SpO2. Two AAA batteries are included, although it doesn't state how many hours it can run on that set of batteries continuously. It also comes with a lanyard for hanging it around the neck when not in use. 

• ViATOM Oxygen Saturation Monitor - $119.99 - This PO2 meter is unique because, unlike devices that clamp onto the fingertip, this is worn on your finger like a ring, freeing up your fingertip for use. It is meant to be worn for extended periods of time, setting off an alarm when your oxygen levels dip below a certain amount. It has a rechargeable battery so you don't have to worry about replacing it. A downloadable smartphone app creates reports that can help you analyze trends and even analyze the quality of your sleep if you wear the device overnight. 

• Drive Medical View SpO2 Deluxe Pulse Oximeter - $74.99 - This PO2 meter has an easy-to-read display and a programmable alarm. It allows for 30 hours of normal operation per set of two AAA batteries and has an automatic off function. It also accommodates all finger sizes, whether child or adult. 

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When using PO2 meters, keep in mind that most require two or three AAA batteries, unless the device is rechargeable. Also, most won't work if your fingernails are too long, if you have on nail polish, or if your fingers are wet or positioned incorrectly. Other than that, there are no risks to using a PO2 meter, as they are perfectly safe. When choosing the best PO2 meter for your needs, consider not only its price, but its ability to put your mind at ease when experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.