COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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Boo1962 08/15/2013

Hi!

Yesterday, I had my colonoscopy. They put the oxymeter (spelled wrong), on my finger..and it read 88!!!!

She looked at my fingernails and said OH, you have nail polish on!!!

So , she turned the thing sideways on my finger, and took it, and it went up to 92 !!! Then up to 94....

She said nail polish , can affect the reading, if it's put on the regular way, so that if you go to the Dr, or have your O2 checked anywhere, including your one at home, it will give you a lower reading!!!!!

I thought this was amazing information..and just wanted to pass it along to any that wear nail polish!!

Boo

bjrapp2020 08/15/2013

Thanks for sharing that Boo. It is true, because at my clinic the nurse will do the same and has told me that nail polish interferes with the reading. It is good to know, even if you are taking your reading at home.
Hugs
Brenda

deleted_user 08/15/2013

I didn't know that and am glad that I get pedicures but not manicures.. Even the instructions that came with my oximeter did not mention that and they should!

Thanks for sharing the info. I tested my oximeter against the Dr's yesterday and theirs gave me a higher reading but they wouldn't trade with me! (:

Hugs, Cindy

jarca 08/15/2013

ty for info boo
cindy, are your batteries getting low maybe?
(mine always starts running lower levels before the little thingy on it shows its getting low of battery)---darn that dr wouldn't trade LOL

dollaraudit 08/15/2013

That gem of information is now added to my book of facts when watching my readings at home. Thanks for the latest jewel that I've gleaned from this site.

gro100 08/15/2013

Here is a good link to the correct way to use and read a pulse oximeter.

http://incenter.medical.philips.com/doclib/enc/fetch/586262/586457/Understanding_Pulse_Oximetry.pdf%3Fnodeid%3D586458%26vernum%3D2

Gary

Imarighter 08/16/2013

My GP's nurse told me that once. Apparently, it doesn't apply to clear polish, though. Only the colored.

Boo1962 08/16/2013

Yes Ima!

They did tell me that, sorry..i forgot..Heavy sedation that day, forgot that! LOL!

Boo

ChrissieUK 08/16/2013

Wow thanks for that Boo I never realised

Hugs x x x

deleted_user 08/16/2013

Boo, Thats some good info. I was reading it and did a self test (and no I don't wear fingernail polish) but turning it on the side my reading was 96, directly on the nail 93. I never thought to check that. Thanks, Bill

deleted_user 08/16/2013

Boo, BTW I am having a good breathing day so far. LOL LOL Take care, Bill

debib399 08/17/2013

Thanks Boo good information to know.

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