IMPORTANT : The following information has been supplied by The Health Navigator New Zealand website - a trusted source of information. Asthma NZ recommend this advice is wise advice for those in our community who have respiratory conditions and if in doubt at all, speak with an Asthma NZ nurse for further advice around managing a respiratory condition. If at any time your child has trouble breathing, or their symptoms become suddenly worse, call 111 for an ambulance.
A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips on to your child's finger. It quickly and easily checks your child's oxygen levels. This guide (developed with KidsHealth NZ) will explain how to use a pulse oximeter, what the numbers mean and what actions you should take.
Note: The information on this page is for the use of a pulse oximeter in children. For use in adults, see how to use a pulse oximeter in adults.
A pulse oximeter measures 2 things — pulse and oxygen saturation level.
Pulse
This is a measure of how fast your child's heart is beating. Your child's pulse is measured in beats per minute (bpm). On your child's pulse oximeter this number may show as bpm or PRbpm (pulse rate/beats per minute).
Oxygen saturation level
This is a measure of how much oxygen is in your child's blood. Your child's oxygen saturation is measured as a percentage (scored out of 100). On your child's pulse oximeter this number may show as SpO2% (saturation percentage of oxygen).
If at any time your child has trouble breathing, or their symptoms become suddenly worse, call 111 for an ambulance.
Children over 30kg (10 years or older if you don’t know your child’s weight)
You can use an adult pulse oximeter for your child, as long as their finger goes all the way to the end of the probe. Using an adult oximeter on smaller children may give an inaccurate reading.
Children under 30 kg (9 years or younger if you don’t know your child’s weight)
Children under 30kg need a child's pulse oximeter. This may be either an oximeter that:
There are different brands of these devices. Please read the manufacturer's instructions. The following is a general guide. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare team.
Preparing
Taking the reading
Recording the numbers
The following is a general guide for children who usually have normal saturation levels.
Oxygen saturation SpO2% |
Action |
95–99 | ✔ Acceptable |
92–94 | Call your healthcare team |
Below 92 | Call 111 for urgent medical care |
Your healthcare team may give you specific advice about what action to take for your child at different oxygen saturation levels. For example, if your child normally has low saturation levels because of congenital heart disease, the advice may be:
A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips on to your child's finger. It quickly and easily checks your child's oxygen levels. This guide (developed with KidsHealth NZ) will explain how to use a pulse oximeter, what the numbers mean and what actions you should take.
Note: The information on this page is for the use of a pulse oximeter in children. For use in adults, see how to use a pulse oximeter in adults.
A pulse oximeter is a small device that clips on to your child's finger. It quickly and easily checks your child's oxygen levels. It uses light beams in a sensor to estimate the amount of oxygen in your child's blood, without taking a blood sample. This helps to track how well your child's lungs are working.
A pulse oximeter measures 2 things — pulse and oxygen saturation level.
This is a measure of how fast your child's heart is beating. Your child's pulse is measured in beats per minute (bpm). On your child's pulse oximeter this number may show as bpm or PRbpm (pulse rate/beats per minute).
This is a measure of how much oxygen is in your child's blood. Your child's oxygen saturation is measured as a percentage (scored out of 100). On your child's pulse oximeter this number may show as SpO2% (saturation percentage of oxygen).
If at any time your child has trouble breathing, or their symptoms become suddenly worse, call 111 for an ambulance. |
Check the signs that show your baby or child might be struggling to breathe. |
Children over 30kg (10 years or older if you don’t know your child’s weight)
You can use an adult pulse oximeter for your child, as long as their finger goes all the way to the end of the probe. Using an adult oximeter on smaller children may give an inaccurate reading.
Children under 30 kg (9 years or younger if you don’t know your child’s weight)
Children under 30kg need a child's pulse oximeter. This may be either an oximeter that:
There are different brands of these devices. Please read the manufacturer's instructions. The following is a general guide. If you have any questions, ask your healthcare team.
The following is a general guide for children who usually have normal saturation levels.
Oxygen saturation SpO2% |
Action |
95–99 | ✔ Acceptable |
92–94 | Call your healthcare team |
Below 92 | Call 111 for urgent medical care |
Your healthcare team may give you specific advice about what action to take for your child at different oxygen saturation levels. For example, if your child normally has low saturation levels because of congenital heart disease, the advice may be:
Don't rely only on a pulse oximeter to assess your child's health condition or oxygen level. It is only a measurement device.
Other signs or symptoms of low oxygen levels can be if your child:
Check the signs that show your baby or child might be struggling to breathe. If you have any concerns or questions, contact your child's healthcare team directly.
Credits | |
Content courtesy of KidsHealth NZ which has been created by a partnership between the Paediatric Society of New Zealand (PSNZ) and the Starship Foundation, supported and funded by the Ministry of Health. |