How to Log Pulse Oximeter Readings for Your Doctor
Short answer: take readings at the same times each day, sitting and rested, with a warm hand held still. Wait until the number is steady, then write down the SpO2, the pulse, the date and time, and what you were doing. Bring a dated list or a one-page report to your appointment instead of remembering the numbers.
Why a log beats a single reading
A pulse oximeter shows one moment. Your doctor or nurse usually wants to know how your numbers change from day to day, at rest and after activity, and whether anything changed after a new medicine or oxygen setting. Only a dated log can show that.
1. Agree on when to take readings
Ask your care team how often to log and at which moments. A common pattern is the same times each day (for example after waking and in the evening) plus any time you feel different. Set reminders so the times stay consistent.
2. Take each reading the same way
- Sit down and rest for a few minutes first, unless you are recording an after-activity reading.
- Warm your hands if they are cold, and use a finger without nail polish or an artificial nail.
- Rest your hand on a table or your chest and keep it still.
- Wait until the number stops changing, then note that value.
3. Write down more than the number
Every entry should have the date, time, SpO2, pulse and the situation: resting, after activity, on waking, sleeping, on oxygen (and at what flow) or after an inhaler. A short note about symptoms helps your care team read the number in context.
4. Do not fix or skip the low ones
Log what the oximeter showed, even if it surprised you. If you think a reading was off, take another one after warming your hand and log both with a note. Follow your care plan for low readings.
5. Prepare it before the appointment
Bring a list or report that covers the period since your last visit, with the lowest, average and highest values and a simple graph. Questions to bring along: what number should I watch for, and what should I do when I see it?
How Satwell helps
Satwell is a logbook for the oximeter you already own. Each reading takes about ten seconds, with your last values filled in and one tap for the situation. It draws 7, 30 and 90-day graphs, marks the line your care team gave you, and turns the period into a PDF report with every reading. Readings stay on your phone.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Your care team decides what numbers matter for you and what to do about them. If you feel unwell, follow your care plan or seek urgent help whatever your oximeter shows. Satwell requires a separate fingertip pulse oximeter and does not measure, diagnose or treat.
FAQ
How often should I log my SpO2?
Ask your care team. Many people are asked to log once or twice a day at set times, plus any time they feel different. The same times each day make the log easier to read.
Should I write down every number while the oximeter settles?
No. Wait until the number stays steady and write down that one value. Note it if the reading would not settle.
Is a paper notebook good enough?
Yes, if you write the date, time and situation every time and bring it along. An app saves you drawing graphs and copying pages before a visit.