10 Best Pulse Oximeters for Nurses Review 2021

As a nurse, owning the best pulse oximeter is very important. This device is an essential item to have if you want to accurately diagnose your patient’s heart rate and his oxygen saturation levels.

Pulse oximeters are designed and manufactured to measure the amount of oxygen saturation and pulse rate in a patient more precisely. These devices come with a probe that a nurse can attach to the patient’s index finger or any other body part (depending upon the built and design) to collect accurate results.

If you have the right kind of product, you can easily assess the vital signs of your patients. Therefore, in this guide, we have gathered 10 best pulse oximeters for nurses to make the buying process easy for you.

1. Deluxe SM-110 Two Way Display Finger Pulse Oximeter 

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If you are looking for the most convenient finger oximeter in the market, do not go further than Deluxe SM-110. 

It is a perfect product to be used by the nurses and even kids and adults (suitable for all ages). The newly upgraded design comes with a two-way display screen, and by default, the screen will face the user now, and at the touch of a single button, it will face away. 

It provides reliable and accurate oxygen saturation and heart rate value without compromising on the numbers. Other than nurses, this model is also quite famous in sports enthusiasts, skiers, hikers, and mountain climbers. 

The self-moveable finger clamp provides you with a one-button design for easy functioning. The small portable size makes it easy to carry around and take anywhere while traveling. It features a small yet readable LED screen where you can see the oxygen saturation and heart rate values. This LED display can be viewed in the environment of your choice (from bright sunlight to dark surroundings). 

Deluxe SM-110 can give fast readings with high accuracy and can show results in the form of numbers as well as a bar graph. The finger chamber is latex-free and is made from high-grade hypo-allergic medical silicone. 

2. Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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It is the most accurate and reliable pulse oximeter for nurses in the market. Every year, Innovo Deluxe is beating all the other high-end brands in terms of its consistency and precision. 

This model features a perfusion index and plethysmograph to make sure you are getting your heart rate and oxygen saturation values accurately without having any second thoughts. 

Some new and advanced features have been included in Innovo Deluxe such as an auditory alarm to notify you if your heart rate and SPO2 levels are going beyond limits, auditory beeps for each pulse detected and adjustable brightness option for the LED display. 

Apart from medical staff like nurses, it is also suitable for skiers, climbers and hikers who want to keep a check on their vitals during their expeditions. 

The plethysmograph shows an SPO2 waveform where each wave is parallel to the range of the amount of blood spotted in the vessels. When the amplitude of the waves is constant, this device optimizes and you can check the readings on the screen. 

On the other hand, the perfusion index notifies you the strength of your pulse. If the value is less than 0.2 percent, it indicated that either your hands are placed wrongly over the oximeter or they are very cold. You can just warm up your hand and then place your fingers again over the device so that they are accurately present among the sensor and the LED light. 

3. Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter        

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This pulse oximeter was manufactured and designed to be an effective solution against slow, inaccurate under lightening and motion-sensitive devices. 

With Zacurate Pro Series 500DL, you can accurately identify your pulse rate, pulse strength and blood oxygen saturation levels with +/-2 deviation. It is made with a good-quality silicon finger chamber of medical grade that is latex-free and hypoallergenic.  With this product, the pulse rate faces the user and blood oxygen saturation reading can reach up to 100 percent accuracy. 

The manufacturers have also updated the software components and internal hardware of this oximeter; therefore, it is quite easy to take accurate readings. You just have to clip this device to the finger and then turn it on with a simple button. The LED display screen is enormous, so you can see the results clearly. 

It is small in size so very portable and easy to carry around places. Moreover, a lanyard has been added with the device to make it more convenient. Zacurate Pro Series 500DL comes with two AAA batteries, and silicon-made cover so you can keep it protected from dust and dirt. 

4. AccuMed CMS-50DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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This product is a perfect choice for people who are looking for a compact and lightweight design pulse oximeter. It has a crystal clear LED display and delivers optimal accuracy as compared to most of the high-end models available in the market. 

It weighs only 50 grams; hence, it is quite famous for its portability and ease of transfer. Moreover, AccuMed CMS-50DL comes with a fitting carry case that is wear/tear and abrasion-resistant. 

There is a crystal clear LED display where you can check the blood oxygen concentration and pulse rate readings with extreme clarity. In this concern, it should also be noted that this oximeter can display the results in both portrait format as well as landscape format. 

You can power this product with two AAA batteries which can give you at least 32-35 hours of constant use without any trouble. Another great characteristic of this device is that it works much faster than most of the expensive pulse oximeter on this list. So if you are looking for a budget-friendly yet efficient pulse oximeter, this product is your companion on the go. 

If you want to achieve more precise and accurate readings of pulse rate and SPO2, be sure to leave it untouched for a few minutes before using. 

5. CMI Handheld Pulse Oximeter

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This pulse oximeter allows you to measure oxygen saturation, perfusion index and pulse rate accurately. With the adjustable alarm settings, you can set the alarm for the blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate level and sleep peacefully without worrying about a thing. 

This oximeter features sensors and additional accessories that make it easy to accommodate children, adults and even infants.  You can set this device for different types of parameters and can see it for different purposes as well (using it as a one-device-that-fits-all). 

CMI Handheld Pulse Oximeter is among the best and the most wide-ranging kits in the market and is also moderately priced. A full unit can typically give you 8-12 hours of continuous use depending upon the purpose and duration of single usage. It features free desktop PC software so you can analyze the readings on the computer. It is easy-to-set, easy-to-use, hand-held sized and lightweight.  

The standard kit of CMI Handheld Pulse Oximeter includes a pulse oximeter, 3 AAA batteries, an extension cable, adult SPO2 sensor, a metal stand, a data cable, a canvas carry bag and a user manual. It has been manufactured and launched under international qualification and standards and has passed all legal test and trials to give accurate results. 

6. Zacurate 500BL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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Zacurate 500BL has a very good reputation when it comes to accuracy and reliability despite being the most inexpensive oximeter on this list. This model certainly covers all the basics. The battery life is outstanding; the LED display is easy to read and very bright, the readings are usually given within 10 seconds and are always accurate and precise. 

Unfortunately, it does not come with more advanced features, unlike Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Unlike the previous products, you cannot rotate the screen of Zacurate 500BL, and there are no plethysmographs, perfusion index or adjustable alarms. 

However, you can still power it through two AAA batteries and use lanyard for convenient transportation. It is manufactured and designed according to the standards and guidelines of CE and FDA so you can be sure of its effectiveness and high-quality. 

It comes with a quick snap-off battery cover so you can replace or remove the batteries easily wherever you want. With its unique design and built, you can accommodate a wide range of finger sizes (features finger chamber with SMART Spring System), check SPO2%, pulse rate bpm, pulse bar graph and battery level.  The finger chamber is hypoallergenic and free from latex. 

The exterior of this pulse oximeter is protected from a high-quality ABS plastic shield, so it remains undamaged from the environmental factors and gives accurate results. 

7. Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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This model is a newly upgraded version of its predecessors. It is a quick and precise means to check an accurate oxygen saturation level and pulse rate. It comes with a self-adjusting finger clamp and a basic one-design button for smooth functioning. 

This pulse oximeter can show the result of pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation through plethysmography. Through this graph, it can identify the alteration in the volume of a person’s arterial blood with every pulse beat to determine heart health. 

Santamedical Generation 2 can display the acquired results in four different directions with six modes so you can literally view it from anywhere you want. The small size of this oximeter makes it an ideal option if a lot of traveling is involved in everyday routine. 

The bright OLED display screen allows you to check the readings even in low light or at night time. It means that the screen can be viewed in any environment, i.e. from bright light to extreme darkness. This oximeter offers 30 hours of constant use (on a single set of batteries), integrated SPO2 processing display module and probe, low battery indicator, automatic shutdown, and low power consumption. Lastly, there is a high-quality hanging wrist and neck strap so you can wear it all day long and move freely. 

8. Innovo Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter 

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The all-new Innovo Premium Fingertip Pulse Oximeter shows your pulse rate and SPO2 level on a bright OLED screen with 6 different types of multidirectional display options. This product also comes with a perfusion index and plethysmograph where each wave corresponds to a person’s heartbeat, and the amount of blood detected in the system. 

The perfusion index is an amazing feature of this product and acts as a pointer of the accuracy of this oximeter. It can help you measure the strength of a patients pulse without having second thoughts. The more the perfusion index value, the stronger will be the pulse. 

Another reason to love this pulse oximeter is its affordability. It is usually hard for nurses to find an oximeter that is both reliable and inexpensive. With Innovo Premium, they can get both these features, along with its clean look and design. 

The multidirectional display is easy to rotate and provide 6 different types of layout options for convenience. You can select the layout that you think is easy to read and can also switch to other modes in between if you want to hand over the device to someone else to collect the reading. The OLED brightness adjustment option let you choose from the given 10 levels of brightness. This way, you can increase the readability of the screen and note the results more conveniently. 

9. iHealth Air Wireless Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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The iHealth Air Wireless Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is a non-invasive tool that is built for spot-checking pulse rate and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin in the arteries. This device can measure pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation of people who are 16 years or older. A nurse can use it in the patient’s home and in the hospital environment, for example, in surgery, intensive care, anesthesia, and internist. 

It features plethysmograph and perfusion index both. Plethysmograph gives a graphical representation of your heart rate, where steady waveforms mean that the blood flow is good. The perfusion index, on the other hand, is the numerical representation of your pulse strength. A high number of PI indicates strong pulse strength. 

An advanced feature of iHealth air is that it comes with a powerful digital logbook. With the help of iHealth Myvitals application, you can record the history of your spo2 and pulse rate readings. 

The perfect, sharp LED display can show your blood oxygen level, perfusion index, and pulse rate very clearly. Moreover, this oximeter comes with health advanced accuracy algorithm to make sure that the readings are accurate and precise. This device is FDA approved and has passed all the clinical tests to meet the standards of us and European countries. 

You can sync your readings to your smartphone and gain access to them anytime and anywhere. There is a 3.7v lithium-ion 390mah battery, micro USB cable, hundred times more memory space and automatic shut-off options for user convenience. 

10. Concord BlackOx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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If you are looking for a pulse oximeter that is strong, convenient, and can be used on both children and adults, then you should go for Concord BlackOx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. 

This device is made to measure blood oxygen saturation level and pulse rate of the patients. It features a bright OLED display screen that has adjustable brightness and a two-way display mode for easy readability. At one mode, the device will face you, but with a push of a single button, it ca face your opposite direction so another person can check the readings too. With this advanced feature, you can flip the screen to 180 degrees with a simple button for easy viewing. 

It includes a lanyard and a carrying case with attached belt loop so you can wear it around your neck all day long. There is an easy-to-slide battery cover for battery replacement, automatic power-off feature, and a shock-rubber resistant external cover (to prevent damage and abrasion). 

Apart from the device itself, the Concord BlackOx Fingertip Pulse Oximeter kit involves 2 AAA batteries, carrying case, silicone protective cover, lanyard, user manual and warranty card. It is not only fast and accurate but also a very easy-to-use device that is made with USA based customer service and phone support. 

Best Pulse Oximeters for Nurses Buying Guide

Considering the number of devices being sold in the market today, finding a suitable pulse oximeter can be very daunting. However, there are specific ways that you can employ to make the buying process simple and easy. 

In most of the cases, a pulse oximeter is used to get a quick calculation of a person’s vital signs such as heart rate, blood flow, and oxygen saturation level and pulse rate. At times, nurses also use this device to precisely detect the low perfusion index and hypoxia along with other serious medical conditions. Depending upon your scenario, you can pick out the features that suit you the best.

In this buying guide, we are going to tell you the important features, aspects and tips that you must consider before buying a pulse oximeter to save money, time and effort on your purchase. 

• Accuracy Of The Pulse Oximeter

The most important aspect of buying a pulse oximeter is its accuracy, precision and speed. If you choose an accurate oximeter from a trustworthy brand, the chances are that you will get more reliable and accurate readings every time you use it on the patents. 

Apart from considering the brand, make sure you also pay attention to the type of pulse oximeter that you would like to purchase because different types of oximeters yield different kinds of results. 

There are many types of pulse oximeters available in the market, i.e. Handheld pulse oximeter, finger pulse oximeter (the most common one), fetal pulse oximeter and wrist-worn pulse oximeter. Due to their inexpensive nature and wide-range use, finger pulse oximeters are considered the best among all. 

• Price Of The Pulse Oximeter

Though the price is not the most important thing to consider before buying a pulse oximeter, it is still a better idea to ensure that you are getting the device that can deliver accurate readings without causing too much strain over your pocket. 

The price range of oximeters can differ from one another depending upon certain factors such as their accuracy, brand, material, advanced features and appearance. You can purchase a decent pulse oximeter between 15 dollars to 60 dollars based on the features it offers and the precision of its recorded readings. 

Moreover, you should also consider the exchange policies, return policies or any warranties that are offered by the manufacturers of that pulse oximeter. A good warranty is an indicator of brand strength and the stance of product manufacturing. 

• Features Of The Pulse Oximeter

In addition to price, speed, accuracy and precision, a good quality pulse oximeter should also hold a number of unique and advanced features that can help achieve accurate results and prolong the life of the device. 

The best pulse oximeter should have easy-to-read display settings (to read accurate blood oxygen and pulse rate levels), adjustable audible alarms (to notify health concerns and abnormalities), and history save feature (so you can easily refer to previous readings and keep track of your vital signs). 

Some pulse oximeters offer automatic battery preservation mode that can automatically shut down the device if it is not being used after a certain amount of time. Durability and portability (ease of transportation) are some other features you might want to consider before choosing an oximeter for routine use. 

• Weight Of The Pulse Oximeter 

The weight factor is very important for both portability and ease-of-use. Depending upon the use of the product, you should always go for the model with a suitable weight. 

This phenomenon is also applicable to the case of user type. If you are about to use the pulse oximeter on children and infants, it has to be very light in weight. Even if you have to use it on an adult person, a less unwieldy oximeter is always appreciated. 

• Probe size Of The Pulse Oximeter

When you are about to purchase a pulse oximeter, you must check the probe size very carefully. An appropriate probe size makes sure that the device fits snugly and perfectly over the patient’s fingers. However, it is not an issue with the clip-on pulse oximeter probes because you can simply clip them to the finger and get the calculated readings. 

Moreover, if you are in search of a pulse oximeter for people with petite fingers (such as infants), you should consider buying a versatile oximeter to quickly help you with the pulse rate and oxygen saturation calculation without any fuss or trouble at all. 

Frequently Asked Questions

• How Long Does A Pulse Oximeter Last?

The longevity and lifetime of a pulse oximeter depend upon how accurately you manage and maintain the oximeter. The device will last for years if you keep and store it well; otherwise, soon it will be worn out. Make sure you change the batteries of the device on time and take all the necessary instructions from the user manual before using the product. 

• At What Site Can You Place The Probe To Get Accurate Results?

You can place the probe of your pulse oximeter over fingers (most common), hand, toes, foot or wrist of the patient. Other sites where you can put the probe for pulse oximetry depends upon the age of the patient. 

• Can Ambient Light Interfere With Pulse Oximeter Readings?

Ambient light with red spectrum can interfere with the readings of any pulse oximeter, especially the oxygen saturation results. The light beaming from heat lamps and light from phototherapy can skew the interpretations of the device. These sources are responsible for emitting high-intensity light which may alter the light diffusion from the probe. The only solution is to protect the probe from any kind of ambient light through carbon paper or aluminum foil before use. 

• How To Determine The Accuracy Of The Pulse Oximeter?

Most of the pulse oximeter available in the market gives a visual representation of the pulse rate and blood oxygen saturation. The pulse display is always within three beats per minute of the display while the pulse waveform should cover half of the entire display to give precise and accurate readings. If the difference is more than this, accurate readings will not be reflected because the probe becomes unable to detect the adequate arterial pulsations. 

Conclusion

There you have it! Here are our 10 best pulse oximeter for nurses in 2020-2020. Now, you must have an idea about the best of the best devices that can be used in a healthcare environment. Just like any other tool, we know that selecting the right kind of medical equipment is not an easy thing to pull off and as a professional nurse, you have to rely on accurate devices to succeed in your line of work. 

We are hopeful that this guide is able to help you know about your requirements and that you will have an easy time in the future choosing the most appropriate and fitting pulse oximeter for your professional, mundane use.

Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API