For those who have a Samsung phone with Android operating system (or want to download the Samsung Health App) you have to search a bit to locate the feature. After you open the app, scroll to the "Stress" option and press "Measure". It instructs you to put your finger on the sensor light on the back of the cell phone, and then performs the measurement which will take up to about a minute to complete. When done it displays your pulse bpm (beats per minute) and saturation percentage. I've read a number of comments which say that the measurements are surprisingly accurate, and correlate well with the more expensive pulse oximeter devices.
THANKS!
I already had it on my phone - don’t recall if I knew that I had it!! 71 bbm and 97% O2. I’m guessing 97% isn’t too bad. (Off to see what good numbers should be.) It did say I had zero stress.
From the web:
https://www.healthline.com/health/normal-blood-oxygen-level#oxygen-levels
A pulse oximeter (pulse ox) is a noninvasive device that estimates the amount of oxygen in your blood. It does so by sending infrared light into capillaries in your finger, toe, or earlobe. Then it measures how much light is reflected off the gases.
A reading indicates what percentage of your blood is saturated, known as the SpO2 level. This test has a 2 percent error window. That means the reading may be as much as 2 percent higher or lower than your actual blood oxygen level.
This test may be slightly less accurate, but it’s very easy for doctors to perform. So doctors rely on it for fast readings.
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The article said people with nail polish or cold extremities (I have the later) will get a lower O2 number. 95 to 100 is a good number.
Something people may not be aware of, this measures “Oxygen Saturation” by interacting with Oxy/Hemoglobin in the Infra Red. Which is not the same thing as the Partial Pressure of Oxygen, the number you actually care about. An O2 sat of 90 corresponds to a pO2 of 60. Which is Respiratory Failure territory. So the only numbers you care about on Oxygen Saturation are the #s between 90 and 100. Because that’s the way Hemoglobin Dissociation works. Most people that read these things think it is a direct relationship (which it is not) and that an O2 Sat of 60 means pO2 of 60. So they think a O2 Sat of 80 is OK. It ain’t 80 is DEEP into Respiratory Failure.
Common misconception that frankly makes an O2 sat dangerous in the wrong hands.
My phone has this too, however be very careful as they are not always accurate. My old Samsung S6 was wonderfully accurate. My latest S10+ is terribly inaccurate, often showing me at 72% or lower. I would be having organ damage at that point. I do believe it is a known issue with them, so don’t freak out if it reads low like that. The heartbeat monitor seems to be ok though.
I did notice that when I had the virus, it raised my heart rate from the usual 74bpm to 145bpm for about 4 hours and I averaged 120 for the day. It slowly came down over the next 2-3 days, though a persistent fatigue set in during that time that lasted for a week or so. If you are familiar with your regular heart rate, that may be another way to spot infection *if* you get that symptom. Of all the other folks I know that have had it (7), I was the only one with the raised heartrate. I do not have any other underlying health conditions, but if I did, something like tachycardia (145+) could be a real problem.
Outside of the phrase “an apple a day...”
What the HELL is “FDA regulations” and “Apple” doing in the same conversation???
The SWAMP has overflowed its banks. We’d better find the drain plug pretty soon!!!
Samsung Galaxy phones have an o2 saturation meter on it. I’ve been using it.
Oximeter readings are a lagging indicator of the virus.
You’ll have other symptoms first.
Cool device though.
(Yeah, and I don’t have the source to hand.)
Your drug store might have Pulse Oximeters for a lot less.
Purchased at WalMart pharmacy for 5-10 bucks. Just like the one used in doc’s office for a fast reading. Clips on your fingertip.
Makes no sense. Why would they block this feature ?
If the pulse oximeter feature in the apple watch is currently disabled, is it feasible for a hacker to enable it?
L8r
The Oximeter App on the iPhone will measure oxygen level and heart rate.
I’ve been using the Samsung Health app on my S8+ for a couple years, including the O2 saturation. I typically range between 97-99. I’m convinced I had the virus in late January, and my symptoms included shortness of breath. I wasn’t struggling to breath, but I felt like I wasn’t getting enough oxygen. That had me a little concerned so I used the Samsung app to measure my O2 saturation. It dropped throughout the day and bottomed out at 92. That was a first for me. (Covid-19 wasn’t really in the news yet, so I was mainly thinking pneumonia.)
By the 2nd day, my 02 was back up to around 95 (and my fever had dropped below 99). So I knew I was heading in the right direction. It was nice having that app, just to keep an eye on things.
One note: I’ve read that the Samsung S9 isn’t quite as accurate as the S8 in measuring O2%. Not sure about the S10.
“We’re the government. We’re here to protect you. Do what we say. Don’t question us.”
My smarty pants watch does blood oxygen, heart rate etc...
And I have one of those O2 finger sensor devices a Homiee.