Pulse oximeters have revolutionized medical practice in their specific medical niche – that much is fact. While their efficacy is undeniable, choosing the best pediatric pulse oximeter is far from easy, with various considerations involved at every step.
The primary cause behind this difficulty in making the right choice is the breadth of options available. Each manufacture has instilled their own unique business persona in their products, and this provides users with an astounding array of options to choose from. For most accurate results, we recommend that you use Zacurate 500BL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter for your child.
An oximeter in essentially a non-invasive method of monitoring oxygenation; it is relatively cheap and is simple to administer. The main selling point of this innovative device is that allows end users to check their blood oxygen levels without getting poked with a needle! It has an extremely versatile range of applications as it is used before operations, pediatrics and for intensive care patients as well. However, each of these pulse oximeters operates using the same mechanism to provide accurate results.
Note that a pulse oximeter is not limited in any aspect and can be used by adults and infants alike, depending on the variety you choose.
10 Top Rated Pediatric Pulse Oximeters
Just as I mentioned before, since there are so many choices available in the market today, it can be difficult to identify the best pediatric pulse oximeter that would perfectly suit your needs. This is exactly why I have formulated a list of the 10 best pediatric pulse oximeters in the market today, after intensive research and a lot of cross-checking.
When compiling this list, I took a number of different factors into consideration; these include function, accuracy, and the price of the unit – just to name some of the more notable ones.
The following table shows the 10 best pediatric pulse oximeters that are readily available in the market today at reasonable prices, all while maintaining excellent quality:
| Picture | Pulse Oximeter | Type | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Acc U Rate Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ |  |
 | Choice Med Green Frog Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ |  |
 | Dannys World Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ | |
 | CMI Pulse Oximeter | Handheld | $$$ | |
 | MeasuPro Instant Read Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ | |
 | AccuMed CMS-50DL Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $ | |
 | Innovo Deluxe Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ | |
 | Santamedical SM-165 Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ | |
 | FaceLake FL-400 Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $ | |
 | Leosense Finger Pulse Oximeter | Fingertip | $$ | |
The interactive comparison table has 5 columns which are.
• Pulse Oximeter pictures
• Brand and model name – (click to view more details or to purchase)
• Type of Pulse Oximeter
• Price – These are approximate prices on Amazon.com. Here is the price legend.
- $ = under $20,
- $$ = $20 to $50,
- $$$ = $50 to $100
- $$$$ = $150+
• Rating – These are our ratings on a 1 to 5 scale.
Each of these devices has their own unique selling point and is among the foremost choices for medical practitioners and private patients alike. They have been specifically designed to allow users to effectively adduce the hemoglobin level conveniently and efficiently. I made sure that all of the units listed above are cost-effective; so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank when making a purchase from this list.
Although having so many options available in the market is a blessing as it keeps prices down to a bare minimum; it also creates a dilemma for consumers in finding the best pediatric pulse oximeter that fits their budget, all while fulfilling their requirements and preferences. That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in. Take a look at the FAQ I came up with here. I’ve also included a detailed analysis of the 10 top-rated oximeters mentioned above.
10 Best Pediatric Pulse Oximeter Reviews
By now, you should have attained the knowledge required to understand the versatility of an oximeter. But before you make your purchase, I’d recommend considering the reviews given below to make sure that you only buy the best pediatric pulse oximeter in the market.
1. Acc U Rate® Pulse Oximeter
One look at this device and you will know what exactly you are paying for. This device has an OLED display screen that has six multi directional display choices for optimum readability. This is the ideal device for sports enthusiasts and athletes as it is constructed using silicon to ensure durability.
2. Choice Med Green Frog Digital Finger Pulse Oximeter
This compact oximeter is ideal for children and adults alike. It has a green facet that is designed to attract little children and is ultra light. It has a graphical display and is extremely easy to use as it can be operated without even reading the instructions. Besides this, it has a four-way graphical display for optimum readability.
3. Danny’s World ® Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter
Another oximeter that is currently dominating the market is the Danny’s World ® Pediatric Finger Pulse Oximeter. This device includes one strap and has a design that resembles a bear in order to attract children. I actually dropped this device a couple of times to test its durability and was ecstatic as this device is extremely robust with its versatile cover. It is extremely lightweight and will automatically power off if not in use for eight seconds; this ensures the battery lasts quite a while.
4. CMI Handheld Pulse Oximeter
The CMI Handheld Pulse Oximeter has surpassed expectations with its functionality. This device has the capacity of 384 hours of data storage and has different probes to fit all body types. If that wasn’t enough, it can also record results and can easily integrate with an external device such as a laptop or desktop. However, downloading the software pack requires a lot of time and you may encounter crashes on your computer; you will also have to pay separately for the software pack.
5. MeasuPro Instant Read Digital Pulse Oximeter
The MeasuPro Instant Read Digital Pulse Oximeter is currently the foremost choice for athletes and health enthusiasts. It is lightweight and can read oxygen levels within seconds. It is approved by the FDA, and the combination of its versatile design and user-friendly OLED screen makes readings quite simple and easy. But what really sets this product apart from the rest of the pack is its extensive two-year manufacturer warranty and their 24/7 customer support that is always willing to help.
6. AccuMed CMS-50DL Finger Pulse Oximeter
The AccuMed CMS-50DL Finger Pulse Oximeter is the perfect choice for people who are new to using oximeter devices. It is available at an extremely reasonable price and has been specifically designed for new users with its simple mechanism. It can read oxidation levels and can also monitor heart rates. These readings are relayed on an OLED screen that is extremely prominent. After charging this device once, it lasted me over 32 hours. It will also automatically power off when not in use. A slight drawback of this unit is the fact that it only comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
7. Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Another device that is currently enjoying a lot of popularity in the market is the innovative Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. This device has a detailed plethysmograph and perfusion index. It is slightly more complicated to use than other devices due to its added functions. One profound feature of this device that is worth mentioning is its adjustable clamp. This means that the device can easily be used by adults and children alike. The display has an accelerometer, which allows the screen to flip automatically if the device is rotated. It provides accurate results within a matter of minutes.
8. Santamedical Generation 2 SM-165
If you are looking for added protection and mobility, then the Santamedical Generation 2 SM-165 should be your first choice. This device includes a robust carrying case and a neck cord for extra mobility. It also comes with a bright LED display and an innovative pleth bar that measures pulse strength for accurate readings. Also, upon inspection, you will see that this device has been designed for chronic illness monitoring as it has an outstanding battery life of 30 hours of continuous use.
9. FaceLake ® FL400
If you are looking for a straightforward device that provides accurate readings in a timely manner, the FaceLake ® FL400 is a great choice. This cost-effective device is readily available in the market today and is designed to meet the FDA and CE standards for pulse oximeters. The unit includes a nylon carrying case and a neck lanyard for optimum mobility. Besides this, it can easily be operated without reading the manual as it has a simple one-button feature. However, this device has been designed specifically to target sports and aviation enthusiasts and is generally not used for medical purposes.
10. Leosense Finger Pulse Oximeter
Another device that has specifically been designed to target sports enthusiasts is the sport finger pulse oximeter from Leosense. This device uses an advanced DSP algorithm to provide accurate results within no time. Besides this, it has the capacity to read both hemoglobin saturation and the hemoglobin saturation just by pressing a button. The device is readily available in the market and is very affordable. Best of all, it is FDA approved.
How To Choose the Best Pediatric Pulse Oximeter
Before we get into details of how to choose the best pulse oximeter for your child, let us get some technical stuff out of the way.
What Is a Pulse Oximeter?
Put simply, a pulse oximeter is an effective diagnostic tool that provides an indirect yet accurate measurement of the percentage of oxygenated hemoglobin. It does so using a red infrared light that measures the light absorption components of hemoglobin the patient’s capillary blood.
To use it, you need to simply attach it to one of the patient’s fingers, and within a few minutes, it will provide a numerical saturation reading. Ear probe oximeters are also available, but these do not provide very accurate readings compared to finger oximeters. There’s plenty of documentation and research available on the internet if you are interested in learning more about how an oximeter works.
What Is a Pediatric Pulse Oximeter?
The pediatric pulse oximeter, by virtue, is exactly like the pulse oximeter, but it is specifically been designed for children and infants. It has been brilliantly engineered to provide accurate measurements even with movement, and this provides the most accurate pulse oximeter readings for children.
The sensor is precisely calibrated for children and the probes clamp is smaller in dimension, allowing it to fit perfectly on the child’s fingers. Most pulse oximeter readings are provided in a clear digital display and can easily be read by patients and caretakers alike. These devices have the capability of providing a real-time display of hemoglobin saturation levels and the heart rate of the user. Most devices in this category also have an adjustable probe so that it can easily fit between even with the tiniest fingers.
How Does a Pediatric Pulse Oximeter Work?
Pediatric oximeters operate using the same mechanism as standard pulse oximeters. The device has an embedded ambient infrared light that scans the blood and pinpoint the hemoglobin level in a child’s capillary blood. It can easily be attached to the child’s fingers, and the clamp is designed to provide the user with optimal comfort.
Principally, the pediatric oximeter works based on the red light absorption of oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood, oxygenated hemoglobin cells absorbs more infra red light while de-oxygenated blood on the other hand does not absorb the infrared light. To understand more about how the pediatric oximeter operates, please click here.
Once the device has been attached, it will display the patient’s oxygen saturation levels on its digital display within a matter of minutes. It can safely be administered by anyone in the confines of their homes or in a medical setting as well. You can check this video for more information or pediatric pulse oximeters or infant pulse oximeters.
How to Use an Infant Pulse Oximeter?
Infant pulse oximeters are specifically designed to allow caretakers to easily adduce the hemoglobin level of an infant. All you have to do is simply attach the clamp to the infant’s forefinger. Please bear in mind that these probes are extremely fragile; handle them with the utmost care.
Ensure that the probe is properly positioned on the infant’s finger; it should perfectly fit upon the finger. Check that the probe is not too tight as this will reduce the infant’s blood circulation in the finger. At the same time, make sure that the probe is not too loose either. Once attached, simply turn the device on and give it a few minutes to scan the blood. The best pediatric pulse oximeters require no more than a few minutes to provide accurate results.
You can learn more about safely administering an infant pulse oximeter by watching the video below.
How to Interpret Pediatric Pulse Oximeter Readings?
The true beauty of pulse oximeters is the ease of use that they provide to users. On the other hand, understanding the readings will require a certain degree of technical knowledge – not all of us have gone to medical school after all.
However, there are certain guidelines that people can use to understand the readings that these devices provide. Generally, a healthy individual should have a blood saturation level of approximately 95% to 99%, while a patient with placid respiratory diseases should have a blood saturation level in the range of 90% or above. To understand the readings on the display of a pulse oximeter, take a look at the picture below.
If the readings provide a percentage below 90%, then this is a serious issue. Do check if the blood saturation levels remain consistent at this level just to be sure. Every cell in the human body requires oxygen to function effectively; if oxygen levels are low, then this will have an adverse affect on the patient’s health.
The most common result of low saturation levels is Hypoxemia. If this is not treated at the appropriate time, the condition may devolve into severe Hypoxemia or chronic Hypoxemia. Both can be extremely dangerous if left untreated. If your readings show a low percentage, I would strongly recommend that you contact a doctor immediately to safeguard your well-being.
Each of these diseases have their own symptoms and can only be treated by a trained professional as there are many different factors that come into play when using a pulse oximeter reading as a diagnostic tool. Notable factors which should be taken into consideration when understanding the readings include your current health condition, percentage of oxygen in the air, respiratory factors – the list goes on.
Besides this, there are many other aspects, both external and internal, that may influence the accuracy of the readings. Do keep the following into perspective when figuring out the readings:
- Nail varnish or pigment on the finger
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Poor perfusion
- Device not being properly attached to the finger or ear
- Constant movement of the patient
These variables have the potential of affecting the device’s mechanism and will deter the pulse oximeters’ accuracy by a substantial margin. Make sure you clearly read the provided instructions and consult with your doctor to determine the number of times you should use the device.
How to Choose the Most Accurate Pulse Oximeter for Your Child?
Choosing the most accurate pulse oximeter for your child can prove to be very difficult as there are so many different factors involved. Before you even consider purchasing a pulse oximeter, you should understand why exactly you need the device for your child. Based on the answer, you’ll be able to better determine which type of oximeter best suits your requirements.
The most common reason why parents choose this device for their children is asthma: a respiratory problem found in children and adults alike. For asthma patients, it is absolutely necessary that their oxygen levels be periodically monitored to ensure that the child’s blood saturation levels remain between the recommended ranges.
There are many other applications of an oximeter too though. I’ve taken the liberty to craft a list of steps here that you could follow to find the best pediatric oximeter for your child.
Step 1
The very first and most important step you should take in order to find the most accurate oximeter for your child is to consult a doctor. A doctor can help you decide upon the main feature you’d need in your oximeter, effectively helping you streamline your search.
- Checking oxidation levels periodically: A standard clip-on oximeter should suffice
- Constant monitoring for chronic illnesses: A model that’s well-suited for continuous use
- Measuring heart rate: An oximeter that also has a heart rate monitor
The doctor will diagnose your child’s condition and will let you know which aspects should be monitored closely. This will help you choose the oximeter that meets your requirements.
Step 2
Once you have consulted a doctor, the next step is to educate yourself about the different types of oximeters available in the market today. Each type of oximeter has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, but all of them use the same mechanism to function.
There are five basic types of oximeters:
- Finger or portable oximeter: This is the most popular oximeter and is the generic model that is found in most households. It has rectangular dimensions and a digital screen attached to display the results.
- Handheld oximeters: This type of oximeter is more sophisticated and is typically used by hospitals and medical institutions. It is used for normal spot checks but also has the potential of continuous use for chronic illnesses that require constant monitoring.
- Sensors with tabletops: Another type of oximeter that is found in hospitals and medical institutions is a tabletop with sensors. These have the largest dimensions, which make them difficult for home use. They do provide extremely accurate results though.
- Fetal Pulse oximeter: This is the most effective pulse oximeters for monitoring the oxygen saturation levels for infants and children. The probe is designed to integrate perfectly with the child’s tiny fingers and can also be attached to the foot or head if required.
- Wrist worn Sensors: This device has specifically been designed for constant monitoring as it is a wireless device that mimics the dimensions of a wristwatch. The probe is attached to the finger of the patient and the readings are relayed on a small screen present next to the wrist clamp.
Step 3
Once you have understood the types of oximeters available in the market, the next step is to analyze the different features that these oximeters provide. Some of the features that you should take into account before making a purchase are:
- Accuracy level: There are certain models out there that have an embedded warning light that indicates if the readings are inaccurate, being affected by external factors. It also indicates that the oximeter might have started malfunctioning.
- Embedded alarms: Another core feature available in some devices is an embedded alarm. This alarm will sound if the device detects low levels of oxidation. This is the perfect feature for people who lack medical background and are new to oximeters.
- Display of measurements: Make sure that the device you are considering to purchase displays the readings on a clear screen. There are many devices out there that display readings on only a tiny digital screen; this makes it very difficult to read or understand. If you cannot understand the readings of the device, then it defies the purpose of the oximeter.
- Battery life and durability: Finally, the last feature you should look for in oximeters for infants and children is durability and a long battery life. Children tend to move around a lot and it’s possible that the device may fall off. A durable device ensures that it can resist normal wear and tear. For continuous monitoring, you will require a oximeter that has a battery life of at least 8-10 hours
Step 4
Another factor that demands your consideration is the sizing of the probe. Make sure you do not purchase an adult-orientated oximeter as the probe will not fit and will not provide accurate measurements. You should only consider oximeters that are specifically designed for children, as these probes can fit snugly on an infant’s or child’s fingers.
Even if your child is blessed with large fingers, you can easily purchase a pulse oximeter that has larger dimensions. So make sure you take your child’s fingers size into perspective before investing in a pulse oximeter.
Step 5
The last and most important step that is vital in helping you find an accurate pulse oximeter for children is to look for one that comes with a solid return policy. All you would have to do is crosscheck the findings of the device with your doctor’s oximeter to make sure that the readings are accurate. If they are not accurate, having a return policy will enable you to return the device in exchange for a new one.
Get Your Child the Best Pulse Oximeter
By now, you have everything you’d require in your arsenal to purchase the best pediatric pulse oximeter available in the market today. I would still recommend speaking to a doctor first to clarify the intricacies of these products and then select one from the above list that best suits your specifications. Rest assured, each of the devices I’ve mentioned here has been professionally scrutinized, and all of them meet the FDA regulation standards.
Even if you fortunately do not require such a device on medical grounds, know that an oximeter has many applications in helping you maintain your body to its full potential. Many athletes use these devices to monitor core functions of the body such as the heart rate while exercising. Take all of the above into consideration before making a decision and then get hold of the best pediatric pulse oximeter for your child!