Using a pulse oximeter is a great at-home piece of kit to monitor the oxygen levels in your blood to check that you're okay. The NHS and medical professionals widely use pulse oximeters to diagnose or monitor lung disease but have more recently been used to monitor patients at home who are suffering from Coronavirus. So, the best NHS-approved pulse oximeters should always be close at hand.
The best NHS-approved oximeters at a glance:
• Best for NHS approved: C.G.C Healthcare NHS Approved Pulse Oximeter - View on Amazon
• Best for clinically verified: Med Linket Monitor 5-in-1 - View on Amazon
• Best for being developed by NHS Doctors: TRAN Pulse Oximeter - View on Amazon
• Best for range and durability: Nonin 9590-BK Onyx Vantage - View on Amazon
Suppose you often find that you struggle with breathlessness or have asthma or a heart defect. In that case, we think having an NHS-approved pulse oximeter – such as the C.G.C Healthcare Pulse Oximeter – at home will greatly benefit you if you start feeling unwell or need to monitor your health. If you're experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, it may be worth picking up some lateral flow tests for peace of mind.
In order to help you reach the best decision possible in terms of what's right for you, we've examined the strengths and weaknesses of several great oximeters, considering factors like ease of use and accuracy. We've found the best available to buy today to keep you reassured about your well-being.
Best NHS-approved pulse oximeters of 2024:
Best NHS-approved pulse oximeter
Description
Suitable for all ages, health professionals across the UK have used the C.G.C Healthcare pulse oximeter, including doctors and nurses in NHS hospitals and private surgeries. CE-certified and FDA-approved, this oximeter accommodates a wide range of finger sizes, has a wide measurement range and is one of the most accurate to buy. It also comes with a detachable lanyard, making it easy to use on the go.
Pros
- Well-made and reliable
- Wide measurement range
- Accurate and affordable
Cons
- The display can be difficult to read
Best clinically verified NHS pulse oximeter
Description
CE-certified, clinically verified and in compliance with EU standards, the Med Linket pulse oximeter features five-in-one health monitoring to provide readings for SpO2, body temperature, heart rate, perfusion index and plethysmograph. We like that this oximeter has an anti-shake function to help with trembling hands or active children and has been tested on different ages and skin colours for accurate measurements.
Pros
- Provides multiple readings
- Perfect for readings with shaking hands
- Perfect for monitoring rapid blood oxygen changes
Cons
- Flimsy design
Best pulse oximeter being developed by NHS Doctors
Description
The TRAN Pulse Oximeter is quite a modern-looking oximeter, and true to that impression, you get a lot of quality-of-life features with it. Super fast readings, an automatic shutdown, and 72 hours of battery life – the TRAN Pulse Oximeter is a great health gadget that anyone can rely on.
Pros
- Incredible battery life
- Quick readings
- Excellent array of features
Cons
- Can be slow to start
Best pulse oximeter for health enthusiasts
Description
BLT has several pulse oximeters available on Amazon, and the M70B is versatile enough to recommend to sports and health enthusiasts such as climbers, skiers or cyclists looking to monitor their pulse and SpO2 before and after exercise. Small in size and with six displays, it'll be easy to carry on your adventures to take quick measurements when needed.
Pros
- Ideal for post-exercise readings
- Multiple displays
- Portable and compact
Cons
- Difficult to read due to small size
Best pulse oximeter for adults and children
Description
As well as providing quick results and measurements fit for athletes, seniors, adventurers or for day-to-day wellbeing checks, the aCurio pulse oximeter is also suitable for children over four years old – perfect for keeping the whole family in check.
Pros
- Suitable for children
- Provides results quickly
- Accurate and well-designed
Cons
- A bit bulky
Best pulse oximeter for a clear display
Description
From the reputable Salter brand, this high-quality Tinger Tip OxyWatch pulse oximeter is easy to use and has a clear OLED display which displays SpO2, PR and perfusion index, all at the push of a button. Ideal for those suffering from bronchitis, asthma or pneumonia, it's compact and has low power consumption for prolonged usage.
Pros
- Easy-to-read display
- Low power consumption
- Designed for long-term use
Cons
- Takes some time to display readings
Best pulse oximeter for adults only
Description
Affordable, easy to use, and portable, the Braun Healthcare Pulse Oximeter is the perfect pick for adults wanting to watch their health as they age. It's lightweight and comes with a strap you can wear it with, so it's easy to take on the go. Since it's so lightweight, this pick is especially handy for those with sleep apnea.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Handy strap
- Ideal for athletes thanks to rapid reading
Cons
- Not the easiest to read the display
Best pulse oximeter for tracking
Description
While all the pulse oximeters on this list provide readings in the moment, the ViATOM Pulse Oximeter lets you measure, manage and track SpO2 and pulse rate readings in the accompanying app with a detailed history report of your readings.
Pros
- Companion app is very useful
- Perfect for continuous reading
- Easy to use and accurate
Cons
- So-so without the app
Best pulse oximeter for portability
Description
This smart Jumper Pulse Oximeter device comes with a handy carry case – unlike others on this list – and has built-in alerts and indicators for low battery and reading results. Portable, lightweight and accurate, this is a great pick for those on the go.
Pros
- Useful carry case
- Portable
- Ideal for monitoring blood perfusion
Cons
- Can be tricky to read depending on lighting
What is a pulse oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a small gadget that you clip onto the tip of your middle or index finger that you simply switch on for it to shine light through your finger to work out the oxygen levels.
This beam measures the light absorption in the oxygenated blood - it is quick, non-invasive and painless, and you just need to wait for the numbers shown to settle to give you your readings.
A pulse oximeter is light, portable and comes with an LED screen which will clearly display your measurements in a matter of seconds.
How to read a pulse oximeter?
A pulse oximeter tests how fast your heart is beating – shown as PR for pulse rate or bpm – and how well you are breathing by checking how much oxygen is being carried by the haemoglobin in your blood, shown as SpO2.
For someone who is healthy, the normal blood oxygen saturation level will be around 95 per cent or above.
It is great for indicating to your doctor if you're getting better or more unwell and means you can get the treatment you need at the right time.
Using a pulse oximeter at home
Pulse oximeters used in medical settings or hospitals are high-quality and likely to give you the most accurate reading. Pulse oximeters are available for sale in your local chemist or online for use at home, and while they will record your oxygen levels, some can be inaccurate or give poor readings if used incorrectly.
It is important to invest in one that has been NHS approved, comes from a reputable retailer or has been recognised for its quality. While it may not be necessary for everyone, this gadget could be used by individuals with underlying respiratory issues who may want to monitor or assess the severity of attacks or physically active people who experience regular drops in oxygen levels.
Things that can affect the accuracy of your test include:
• If you are wearing nail varnish or artificial nails
• Your hands are cold – make sure they're warmed first
• You're not sitting still – activity can raise your heart rate and decrease your oxygen levels shown, or move the oximeter out of place
• Your skin is thicker than normal
• If you're a smoker, the oxygen level shown may be higher than your actual oxygen
• Skin pigment can also impact the accuracy of pulse oximetry. Studies have shown that oximeters can overestimate oxygen saturation, so you should check your oximetry readings with your provider or GP if you're concerned.
How to use the best NHS-approved pulse oximeters
To use a pulse oximeter to measure your pulse rate and oxygen levels, you simply need to clip the device to your fingertip, switch it on and wait a short time for the results to show. Make sure to take the right precautions so the results are as accurate as possible.
This handy video from the NHS shows you how to use any of the best NHS-approved pulse oximeters at home under their expert guidance and how you might monitor your readings if you've been asked to use one by your GP or health professional.
When to seek medical attention
Before testing at home, it is advised to speak to your GP first, as they will be aware of your condition and be able to advise on the best process of monitoring. The best NHS-approved pulse oximeters are only an aid.
If you're measuring at home, it is advised to seek medical attention if:
• Breathing gets suddenly worse
• You can't finish a short sentence because of breathlessness
• The blood oxygen number of the pulse oximeter stays at 92 per cent or less
• You have additional symptoms linked to Coronavirus
If you're feeling otherwise fine and your reading is outside the normal range, this isn't always a sign of a health problem. While oxygen levels should remain at 90 per cent or higher, your heart rate may be affected by your activity. Make sure you're warm and relaxed and try again, or speak to your GP with any concerns. And remember, even the best NHS-approved pulse oximeters need their batteries changing now and then.
Eleanor Weaver is a Commercial Content Writer for titles such as Yours, What's The Best and Mother&Baby.
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