Why would a pulse oximeter give just me a false low reading just some of the time?
I’ve worked with pulse oximeters in the past. I’ve never known them to give false readings. You reading should be in the 90% range. Some people who have breathing problems have their readings fall while they are sleeping because they don’t get enough air. There are a few of things you can do: 1. Wipe the finger clip clean. It works with light so a dirty clip may affect the reading. 2. You can use another person as a sanity check. Check another persons reading and make sure theirs is consistent. When you think your is not reading right check theirs. 3. It is unlikely but something may have happened to the electronics. You can always contact the company who made it and ask them if they can check it? I’m wondering, Why do you have a pulse oximeter anyway? Do you have a known health problem? That may be your problem.
There are many things that can alter biox readings. You mentioned your warm fingers and lack of fingernail polish, which can alter the readings, but there are many other things that can cause low or false readings. Poor circulation, level of activity prior to the reading, low blood pressure, poor sensor placement, patient movement, smoking, low hemoglobin level, thickness of skin, bone, and fingernails… just to name a few. Are you sure that the low readings you are getting are truly false? If your readings are lower at home when you are tired, perhaps your heart rate and blood pressure are lower at these times. Also, it does take the biox at least 10 seconds or more give an accurate reading so wait a bit until the numbers stop jumping around to read your level. A few things come to mind that might cause a difference in the 2 readings done simultaneously in your doctors office. Bright lights can interfere with readings. They compete with the sensor light and can lead to higher readings.
