The Use of Pulse Oximeter by Public & Healthcare Providers in the Community for Suspected and Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

27 May 2021 This is a document to support the use of pulse oximeter for assessment of suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the community. It is a well-known fact that Covid-19 can present as “happy hypoxia” with minimum symptoms of severe respiratory distress despite significant low oxygen levels in the blood. The use of pulse oximeter for clinical assessment significantly augments decision making, save lives and provide high quality care. It allows for early detection of patients with hypoxia requiring either close monitoring in the community or timely referral for hospital care.