Did you know that regularly checking your blood oxygen levels with an oximeter can alert you to a possible Covid-19 infection early? Here's how to collect your free device
From this week, every household in Singapore will be able to collect one free oximeter to help check their blood oxygen levels regularly as Singapore continues its fight against Covid-19 and slowly moves towards a phase where the virus is endemic.
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The non-invasive devices are being issued by Temasek Foundation from July 5 to August 5 and households can collect them by presenting leaflets that will be distributed to participating supermarkets and pharmacy outlets.
However, if you are still wondering why you need an oximeter or what it is, here's everything you need to know.
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What is an oximeter?
An oximeter is a medical device that is able to measure your pulse rate as well as your blood oxygen level.
The device is basically a small, non-invasive clip-like device that you can attach to your fingers, toes or earlobes. The device will then measure your blood oxygen levels by shining a light through the blood in your finger and measuring the changes that take place in how the light is absorbed.
Why do I need an oximeter?
Covid-19 is a virus that can cause your blood oxygen level to plummet. This is very dangerous mostly because you can often feel perfectly fine and have no other symptoms of the virus.
This has been termed “silent pneumonia” and if you leave it untreated, you can damage your organs and leave yourself with some serious side effects.
If you have an oximeter at home, you can monitor your blood oxygen levels regularly which can alert you to a possible Covid-19 infection early.
Of course, an oximeter reading does not replace a proper Covid-19 test and a low blood oxygen reading can also indicate other underlying conditions besides Covid-19 which is why it is important to seek medical attention if you get a low reading.
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