Some precautions of use to observe before and during measurement:
- While using the oximeter the patient may be seated, standing or lying down.
- The user must not walk or run while taking the measurement and not move the arm or hand while the device is attached to the finger.
- It is recommended that the user washes their hands before use.
- Nail polish, especially if it is dark, can interfere with the measurement's accuracy. It is recommended to remove nail polish before the measurement.
- Make sure that the finger nail on which the measurement is taken is not damaged (the light beam of the oximeter must be able to pass through the nail without obstruction).
- The measurement can be taken on any finger except the thumb. The best is the index or middle finger.
- Do not use the device as the only basis for making a medical decision. It is only designed to provide supplementary information that you can share with your doctor or health care staff.
- Be sure to keep your finger as still as possible during use, as the device can misconstrue excessive motion as a heartbeat.
- The device does not provide alarms; there is no sound to warn you if your blood oxygen rate is too low, nor if your pulse rate is too fast or slow.
- Don't talk, don't move and breathe normally for the entire measurement.