Pulse oximeters are devices that measure the oxygen saturation level of patients with COPD, asthma and other medical conditions.  They provide crucial, potentially life-saving information, and it is vital that they are accurate and reliable. 

When purchasing a pulse oximeter, it is extremely important that you buy a unit that is FDA approved for medical use.  The FDA performs extensive tests on oximeters to ensure that they give accurate readings.  If a pulse oximeter cannot pass these FDA tests, the readings it provides must not be trusted to help you monitor your health.  Inaccurate readings can lead to a very dangerous, possibly life-threatening, situation, in which the oximeter indicates your oxygen level is within an acceptable range, when it is actually at an unsafe low level.  This is why you must only buy and use an FDA-approved pulse oximeter. 

FDA-Approved Fingertip Pulse Oximeters

There are currently only a handful of FDA-approved fingertip pulse oximeters on the market.  First, the SPO 5500,  by SPO Medical, which is one of the most popular models:

Next, are the three models made by Nonin Medical, the Onyx 9500 (also sold as the Respironics 950), Onyx II 9550, and the new OxyCheck:     

Finally, there is the Digit, made by BCI/Smith Medical, and also sold under the Invacare brand name:

The fingertip pulse oximeters shown above are the only ones approved in the United States by the FDA for medical use, and are, therefore, the only ones you should consider as reliable and accurate.  For more information about the features and benefits of each model, click here for our Pulse Oximeter Facts and Tips guide.

Summary

In summary, since accurate oxygen saturation readings are vital, you don't want to risk your health by using a monitor that has been unable to pass FDA testing standards.  This guide will help you avoid making a costly and dangerous mistake when selelcting your fingertip pulse oximeter.  While eBay no longer allows the sales of medical pulse oximeters, you can still find a great deal on an FDA-approved unit by contacting a reputable eBay medical equipment seller and discussing your options.

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