1.    Take off any nail polish. The pulse oximeter does not work as effectively if placed on a finger with nail polish.

2.    Place the device on a finger. There are different types of finger probes. Some wrap around the finger. It's important the finger comes in contact with the sensor which is usually indicted by a red light. The index finger or ring finger usually work best.

3.    Stay still and wait for a reading. Moving your hand, fingers or arm will interfere with getting an accurate reading. Rest your arm on something firm to prevent it from moving. Remain still until a number appears on the device.

       4.    Be patient. The sensor may take anywhere from a few seconds to a minute to determine a reading. Some devices will      have a green light flashing which indicates the sensor is working and will give a readout. If the light is flashing red it may  indicate the device cannot get a reading.

       5.   Understand results. The amount of oxygen in the blood is given in a percentage. For example, if the reading is 100% of your blood is saturated with oxygen at 100% percent which is as high as it can get. Most people who are healthy will have a reading of 90 percent or greater.

       6.    Use the pulse oximeter several days in a row to determine your baseline. Some individuals especially with lung problems may have a lower level of oxygen in their blood and a lower reading. It's important to take a reading daily and determine what is normal for you.