Covid-19, free pulse oximeters in pharmacies: who they are entitled to and how to request them

and that it can be a precious "ally" to prevent serious complications from Covid-19 ".

and BPCO, or to households that have a member with this type of problem. These subjects, in fact, as Luca Richeldi points out .

For this reason, according to the doctors it would be important for every family to have an oximeter in the house, just like with the thermometer.

of Covid-19. Also known as pulse oximeter or oximeter, it allows you to measure two very important parameters, indicative of a subject's state of health, which can vary if the person contracts Sars-Cov-2:
- oxygen saturation of hemoglobin present in peripheral arterial blood (defined "SpO2"). This parameter indicates the amount of oxygen absorbed during breathing and present in the blood;
- heart rate, i.e. the number of heart beats per minute.

, emphysema, BPCO, bronchitis, heart disease, to evaluate the functionality of the respiratory system. It is also precious in the presence of Covid-19: the disease, in fact, can affect the respiratory system and decrease its efficiency, causing pneumonia. The measurement of saturation is one of the measures that allows you to monitor the progress of the situation, even at home: if the value drops, it means that there is something wrong. In particular, it is useful the saturation monitored during the walk test, which allows to highlight a "possible appearance of hypoxia.

too long: better to cut them, otherwise the radiations used to measure the oxygen saturation may not be able to make the measurement.

Nail polish: could alter the results. In reality, the new generation glazes no longer seem to give problems in this sense, but for safety it is better to remove them.

Semi-permanent gel polish: also in this case the results could be distorted.

Hand movements during measurement: may not allow an adequate reading by the oximeter.

Pathologies that cause poor circulation of the fingers: they can show more basic values ​​than the real ones. Therefore, you need to warm your hands well before using the oximeter.

Important anemia.

(especially below 92%), it is better to warn the doctor, even if there are no other symptoms: in fact, there could be a condition of silent hypoxia in which oxygen decreases in the blood but the patient does not realize it . If it falls below these levels in subjects with fever, high temperature, cough, difficulty in breathing, it is better to call for help immediately. The situation is usually particularly worrying when oxygenation drops below 85%.

Further information and updates on 2019-nCov

For more detailed information on the new Coronavirus, on correct prevention, on infections in Italy, on the rules to be respected and on the quarantine procedures, we recommend reading the dedicated articles:

• Coronavirus 2019-nCoV: How to Recognize the First Symptoms and What to Do
• New Coronavirus: Rules to Follow
• Coronavirus: how to prevent the risk of contagion from 2019 nCoV
• New Coronavirus vaccine: updates
• Coronavirus: prevention and updates on the 2019 nCoV infection in Italy
• Coronavirus and SARS: similarities and differences on infection and transmission of the virus
• Maskne or Acne da Mask: What is it? Why does it manifest itself?
• Templates: Comparative Types, Functions and Methods of Use
• Physical Activity and Masks