A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen level in blood without drawing any.

A pulse oximeter uses infrared light to measure color of blood.

The amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin will cause the blood to be either bright red or darker red. When the hemoglobin in the blood is holding the maximum amount of oxygen it is said to be 100% saturated and bright red in color. A pulse oximeter uses the variation in color to figure out the level of oxygen saturation. By shining an infrared light through a finger or earlobe, a sensor can determine how much of the light was absorbed. The darker the blood, the more light is absorbed and the lower the oxygen saturation.

A pulse oximeter can range in price from few hundred dollars to several thousand depending on features such as printers, alarms, size, and memory. The reduction in price and size has made this device available to the general public. A pulse oximeter can now be used by pilots and athletes to sense when they're hypoxic, a condition where the blood is depleted of oxygen. Some physicians are now prescribing these devices for their patients, including asthmatics.

When these devices are part of an asthma plan and under the direction of a physician, they can be beneficial. A pulse oximeter should not be used by patients without the direction of health professionals who understand oxygen physiology and the dangers of hypoxia.

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