Some phones (like my Samsung Galaxy Note 9) are able to perform the pulse oximeter function. When using the Samsung Health app, there is an option to measure your "stress level". Running that test actually provides your heart rate and oxygen level, and even provides a means of tracking your readings over time. Very convenient.
The caveat:
I compared a few readings on my phone to those I took simultaneously with an inexpensive ($35 on Amazon) pulse oximeter. In most cases, the heart rate readings were within 1% of each other, which is fine, given that heart rates can make wild swings just by doing things like looking for your pulse oximeter. However, the oximeter readings were often 2% apart, with the dedicated device showing, say, 97%, and the phone showing 95%. A few minutes later, while still simply sitting and going through emails and a good daily Covid blog, the readings were 99% and 97% respectively. Given that there is only a 5% range of acceptable percentages, a cheap pulse oximeter or your phone should only be used as a guide, and not as definitive gauge of your actual oxygen levels.
Very good points, Robert--these devices give you an approximate reading, certainly. It's always best to consult with a professional if you get a reading that looks off. I think for the home pulse oximeter, where I'd really start to worry is if it's reading in the low 90s or lower consistently.
Also it's cool that there are phones that can do this--I didn't know that!
Some phones (like my Samsung Galaxy Note 9) are able to perform the pulse oximeter function. When using the Samsung Health app, there is an option to measure your "stress level". Running that test actually provides your heart rate and oxygen level, and even provides a means of tracking your readings over time. Very convenient.
The caveat:
I compared a few readings on my phone to those I took simultaneously with an inexpensive ($35 on Amazon) pulse oximeter. In most cases, the heart rate readings were within 1% of each other, which is fine, given that heart rates can make wild swings just by doing things like looking for your pulse oximeter. However, the oximeter readings were often 2% apart, with the dedicated device showing, say, 97%, and the phone showing 95%. A few minutes later, while still simply sitting and going through emails and a good daily Covid blog, the readings were 99% and 97% respectively. Given that there is only a 5% range of acceptable percentages, a cheap pulse oximeter or your phone should only be used as a guide, and not as definitive gauge of your actual oxygen levels.
Very good points, Robert--these devices give you an approximate reading, certainly. It's always best to consult with a professional if you get a reading that looks off. I think for the home pulse oximeter, where I'd really start to worry is if it's reading in the low 90s or lower consistently.
Also it's cool that there are phones that can do this--I didn't know that!