I Have Been Using A Pulse/Ox Meter. My Oxygen Rate

Posted on Thu, 6 Dec 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 6 Dec 2018 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : I have been using a Pulse/Ox meter. My oxygen rate is usually 95 or better, which is good. However, the PI% (perfusion rate) is only between 1 and 2%. Is this a problem?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
no problem

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for asking...

This perfusion index is OK. The perfusion index indicates how strong the pulse is. Values above 1% are fine. 95% is acceptable as well, although 96% or 97% would have been better.

Let me know if I can assist you further...

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (46 minutes later)

When I am active during the day, I am usually around 96 and higher, and have hit 100 twice. I have noticed at rest, it can get down to 93 or so. Is that a problem?

Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
no...

Detailed Answer:
When you're active your lungs expand completely during inspiration and you get more oxygen. When you're sitting or lying down your lungs may be less able to expand. Since you're getting higher indices, your lungs are capable of absorbing the required amount of oxygen for normal function.

Most individuals have lower values during their sleep for various reasons. This is not a problem unless the values become really low (less than 90%).

Kind Regards!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee