Definition

Noun: A medical device that non-invasively measures the oxygen saturation level (the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen) in a patient's arterial blood. It is typically clipped onto a thin part of the body, such as a fingertip or earlobe.

Usage

An oximeter is a clinical tool used to quickly and painlessly assess a person's blood oxygen levels. It is commonly used in hospitals, during surgeries, and for home monitoring of conditions like asthma, COPD, or COVID-19.

Examples

• The nurse placed the oximeter on the patient's index finger to check his oxygen levels.
• During the flight, she used a portable pulse oximeter to monitor her condition.
• A reading from the oximeter below 90% is often a cause for medical concern.

Advanced Usage

• Pulse Oximeter: This is the most common and complete term for the device, specifying that it measures oxygen saturation by detecting the pulse in arterial blood. While "oximeter" is often used as shorthand, "pulse oximeter" is more precise.
  • The doctor recommended he buy a home pulse oximeter to track his recovery.

Variants and Related Words

• Pulse Oximetry (n): The process or technique of measuring oxygen saturation using a pulse oximeter.
  • The patient underwent continuous pulse oximetry during the procedure.
• Oximetry (n): The measurement of oxygen saturation, typically referring to the method used by an oximeter.

Synonyms

• Pulse Oximeter (more precise synonym)
• SaO₂ Monitor (technical term referring to the measurement of arterial oxygen saturation)
• Oxygen Saturation Monitor

Notes

The term "oximeter" alone is a shortened form. In most medical and consumer contexts, it is understood to mean "pulse oximeter." It is a compound of "ox(ygen)" and "(measuring) meter."

Noun

1. a measuring instrument that measures the oxygen in arterial blood