COVID Oximetry at Home

Information for patients who have recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are identified as having increased risk factors

 

About your illness 

You have a viral illness, which for most people will be relatively mild, but for some, may become more serious, sometimes quickly. Mainly, we are concerned by any signs that your breathing is getting worse. Some other symptoms, such as fever, cough, muscle aches, tiredness, mild chest pain and change in taste or smell are less worrying, and most people will get better by themselves within 2-3 weeks. Some people with Covid-19 infection may develop other problems.
 

You may wish to purchase a pulse oximeter to measure your oxygen levels; these can be purchased online or at your local Chemist. If you are unable to purchase one but feel you would benefit from monitoring yourself, please contact reception at your usual GP surgery site. 

To find out more please follow this link

 

Pulse oximeter for heart rate and blood oxygen level

A pulse oximeter helps you monitor how fast your heart is beating & the level of oxygen in your blood.  Blood oxygen level is the most accurate way of keeping an eye on your progress with COVID-19.  An ideal blood oxygen level is between 95% & 99%.  An ideal heart rate is between 50 & 90 beats per minute (bpm).

 

How to use the pulse oximeter

A pulse oximeter is a simple device. It measures heart rate and level of oxygen in your blood quickly and painlessly. 

Follow these instructions to make sure the pulse oximeter gives an accurate reading 

  • Remove any nail polish or false nails and warm your hand if cold (Cold fingers, poor circulation or low blood pressure will affect readings).
  • Make sure you have been resting for at least five minutes before taking your measurement.
  • Rest your hand on your chest at heart level and hold still.
  • Switch the pulse oximeter on and place it on your finger. It works best on your middle or index finger. It should not be used on your ear.
  • The reading takes time to steady. Keep the pulse oximeter in place for at least a minute, or longer if the reading keeps changing.
  • Record the highest result once the reading has not changed for five seconds.
  • Be careful to identify which reading is your heart rate & which is your oxygen level.

Decontamination: If you are handling equipment or items (e.g. pulse oximeters) used on/by patients with suspected COVID-19, then please wash your hands carefully after touching the equipment.

 

What do I do if my blood oxygen level is less than 95% or I begin to feel worse?

If you begin to feel worse throughout the day, please recheck your oxygen levels (see guidance below).   

94-95% Oxygen Saturation reading
If your heart rate reading is persistently (which is a period of 2 minutes) 110 and above
Call your GP Surgery on  01227 284300

Under 92% Oxygen Saturation or less – Call 999

Important Information For Patients With Pre-Existing Lung Disease 

Patients with pre-existing lung disease may be advised of different readings.

  • Mild Deterioration is defined as up to 2% below baseline
  • Moderate Deterioration is defined as between 3-4% below baseline
  • Severe Deterioration is defined as 5% or more below baseline

If you are unsure what your individual levels are please ask your GP. 

If your oxygen level and breathing are normal, then you do not need to do anything else.  If you have a temperature or other symptoms, such as cough, muscle aches, tiredness and change in taste or smell, Paracetamol and regular fluids can help with these symptoms, and most people will get better by themselves within 2 to 3 weeks.  Please see the NHS website for information on self-isolation or how to access care. 

 

What to do if you experience the following symptoms

Ring 999 if:

  • You are unable to complete short sentences at rest due to breathlessness
  • Your breathing suddenly worsens within an hour
  • OR if these more general signs of serious illness develop:
    • you are coughing up blood
    • you have blue lips or a blue face
    • you feel cold and sweaty with pale of blotchy skin
    • you have a rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it
    • you collapse or faint
    • you become agitated, confused or very drowsy
    • you have stopped peeing or are peeing much less than usual 

Ring your GP or 111 as soon as possible if you have one or more of the following and tell the operator you may have coronavirus: 

  • You slowly start feeling more unwell or more breathless
  • You are having difficulty breathing when getting up to go to the toilet or similar 
  • If you use a pulse oximeter, your blood level is 94% or 93% when sitting or lying down, and remains at this level after being rechecked within an hour
  • You sense that something is wrong (general weakness, extreme tiredness, loss of appetite, reduced urine output, unable to care for yourself - simple tasks like washing and dressing or making food)

If your blood oxygen level is usually below 95% but it drops below your normal level, call 111 or your GP surgery for advice. 

 

Family and friends checking you are safe 

It is important that someone checks on you regularly. If you are isolating from other people in the same house as you, talking on your phone or through a doorway could be better than sending text messages. It will help them hear if you are becoming more breathless or unwell. If you live alone, you should arrange to contact someone regularly. Ask them to ring you if you don’t contact them as planned and ask them to seek help if you don’t answer. If you are still unwell after three weeks, please contact your GP. 

 

Returning a pulse oximeter provided by the surgery 

When your 14 days has passed, please place the pulse oximeter in a small sealable bag and return it to the site you collected it from (Estuary View Medical Centre, Whitstable Health Centre or Chestfield Medical Centre). Please ensure you give the reception team your name and date of birth at the time of drop off. Please ensure your device is returned promptly so it can be safely cleaned and given to other patients. 

* Please note – lost or non-return of the pulse oximeter will result in reimbursement being sought for the full cost*

 

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