Measuring oxygen levels, also known as pulse oximetry, is a non-invasive medical procedure that determines the amount of oxygen carried in the blood. It is a crucial indicator of overall health, particularly for individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD, as low oxygen levels can lead to serious complications.
Pulse oximetry involves using a small device called a pulse oximeter, which is clipped onto a finger or earlobe. The device emits light waves that pass through the blood vessels and are absorbed by hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. By measuring the amount of light absorbed, the pulse oximeter calculates the oxygen saturation, which is the percentage of hemoglobin that is carrying oxygen.