Pulse Oximetry

A pulse oximeter assesses your breathing by measuring your heart rate and the oxygen saturation of arterial blood. It's sometimes called "pulse ox." You may have seen hospitalized patients wearing a plastic clip with a light attached to their finger.

Pulse oximetry is provided on an outpatient basis by respiratory therapists in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in addition to Barron, Bloomer and Osseo. That means you can have this simple screening test overnight in your own home.

Pulse oximetry screening:

• Assesses your home oxygen use
• Evaluates your oxygen levels on room air

After your home assessment is completed, you'll return the pulse oximeter to Respiratory Care the next day. You'll follow up with your primary care provider after results are interpreted by a pulmonologist. You may be referred for sleep evaluation with a pulmonologist or neurologist, evaluation by a pulmonologist for nonsleep-related causes or home oxygen may be arranged for you.