FAQ

An oximeter is a medical device that measures your blood oxygen level and pulse rate.

It is a small, non-invasive, clip-like device that attaches to a body part, like fingers, toes or earlobes. Most commonly, it is used on the finger to measure the blood oxygen level of a person.

It works by shining light through the blood in your finger, measuring changes in how the light is absorbed.

Sources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/pulse-oximetry
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication.

The COVID-19 virus can cause blood oxygen levels to drop dangerously low, which is an emergency even when you feel well, or indicate no symptoms of the virus. This is known as “silent pneumonia”.

If left untreated, the low oxygen levels can damage vital organs, with very serious consequences.

By understanding your normal level of blood oxygen and regularly monitoring its levels, you can be alerted when your oxygen levels are too low, which allows you to seek medical attention, and detect, as early as possible, any infection of COVID-19 – even if you may not have other symptoms.

Blood oxygen level readings cannot and do not replace a COVID-19 test, and low blood oxygen levels may be caused by other underlying conditions or complications besides COVID-19.

Residents should follow-up with their doctors if they have any questions or do not feel well.

The oximeters were manufactured by Lepu or Yuwell. They are leading biotechnology pharmaceutical companies who have experience producing oximeters.

Yes, the oximeters distributed under this initiative have been approved by HSA.

If the oximeter does not work, you may bring the oximeter and the box in original condition to Temasek Shophouse for an exchange. Please note that all exchanges will end by 31 August 2021.

Blood oxygen levels (SpO2) indicate the oxygen levels present in the blood that flows through the body. You can interpret your blood oxygen level reading using the table below:

95% – 100%	90% – 94%	< 90%
Healthy range Some people may have lower oxygen levels*	Call a doctor Need more oxygen	Go to A&E immediately Need oxygen urgently

95% – 100%: This means that your blood oxygen level is within a healthy range.

90% – 94%: This means that your blood oxygen level is low. Supplemental oxygen may be needed. Consult a doctor.

< 90%: This means that your blood oxygen level is dangerously low. Emergency treatment is needed urgently. Go to an Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) immediately.

*Some people may have lower-than-normal readings, such as smokers or people with pre-existing lung or other medical conditions. Oximeter readings may also be inaccurate, due to reasons such as trembling or shaking hands or the use of nail varnish.

Now, we are distributing oximeters so we can regularly check our blood oxygen levels, and if they drop below normal, we can be alert to this change in our bodies and seek required medical attention.

If you have pre-existing conditions, you may wish to consult your doctor. Based on your health conditions, your doctor will advise you on how often your oxygen levels should be checked.

Blood oxygen level readings cannot and do not replace a COVID-19 test, and low blood oxygen levels may be caused by other underlying conditions or complications besides COVID-19.

Residents should follow up with their doctors if they have any specific questions or do not feel well.

Step 1: Make sure that the batteries in your device have been inserted.

Step 2: Place the oximeter around your fingertip with the display facing you.

Step 3: Press the button that activates the device and wait for a few seconds for your blood oxygen level reading to stabilise. Try not to move your finger excessively.

Step 4: Two numbers may be displayed; the first indicates your blood oxygen level (SpO2) and the second indicates your pulse rate (PRbm). Do not confuse your SpO2 with your PRbm, which may be a lower number.

Step 5: Take note of your blood oxygen level (SpO2) reading.

If your blood oxygen level appears lower-than-usual, you should seek medical attention immediately. Such readings may be due to COVID-19, as well as potentially numerous other causes, all of which should be medically assessed.

It could also be due to external factors such as trembling or shaking hands, or the use of nail varnish. Smoking or pre-existing medical conditions may also impact the reading, generating an incorrect reading.

Blood oxygen level readings cannot and do not replace a COVID-19 test, and low blood oxygen levels may be caused by other underlying conditions or complications besides COVID-19.

Please consult your doctor if you need medical advice or need medical information.

The oximeter readings are accurate, within two percent of your blood oxygen saturation levels.

However, each person’s level of blood oxygen differs, so we recommend you to use the oximeter regularly to understand your normal oxygen levels.

Source: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication

The accuracy of an oximeter reading can be affected by multiple factors including: not following instructions, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, trembling or shaking hands, and the use of nail varnish. Some people may also have lower-than-normal readings, such as smokers and others with pre-existing lung or other medical conditions.

Please consult your doctor. Based on your health conditions, your doctor will advise you on how often your oxygen levels should be checked.

There are three oximeter models being distributed, namely:

• Lepu PC-60FW
• Lepu OXY-11
• Yuwell YX301

They are dispensed based on distributions from our warehouse. Regardless of the model, they perform the same key function of measuring blood oxygen levels and pulse rates, and all residents need not be concerned which one they are given.

• Keep the oximeter away from dust, vibration, high temperature, moisture, corrosive substances and explosive materials.
• The oximeter should be kept out of reach of children.
• If the oximeter gets wet, please stop using it and do not use it until it is dry.
• Do not use sharp objects on the oximeter.
• Avoid direct sunlight exposure.

For more information, please refer to your oximeter user manual.

• Use a disinfecting sanitiser to wipe the oximeter before and after use if you are sharing the oximeter.
• Do not use high temperature or high-pressure steam disinfection on the oximeter.
• Avoid the use of ethanol-based, amino- or acetone-based cleaning agent.

For more information, please refer to your oximeter user manual.

The oximeters are battery-operated and come with 2 AAA batteries.

The oximeters are battery-operated and come with 2 AAA batteries. You do not need to charge your oximeter.

The oximeter is not waterproof.

In the unlikely event that your oximeter is not working, you can exchange your oximeter for a new unit at Temasek Shophouse, located at 28 Orchard Road. The period for exchange is between Monday, 5 July, 2021 and Tuesday, 31 August, 2021.

The supermarket and pharmacy outlets will not manage exchanges and/or returns at their counters.

Temasek Shophouse is open from 9am to 6pm (weekdays) and from 11am to 5pm (weekends), excluding public holidays. Operating hours may change due to prevailing COVID-19 government measures, so please check with Temasek Shophouse at https://www.temasekshophouse.org.sg/visit-us before heading to the venue.

Please bring your oximeter and box in their original condition. Please also bring along your ID (e.g. NRIC, FIN) for verification purposes.

Exchanges will not be allowed if the oximeter does not come in the box, in original condition.

The oximeters will be dispensed based on distributions from our warehouse. They perform the same key function of measuring blood oxygen levels and pulse rates, and residents need not be concerned which one they are given. Households will not be able to exchange for a different brand/model of oximeter from the one they received.

The oximeter distribution exercise is part of Temasek Foundation’s Stay Prepared initiative to provide every household in our communities with a self-monitoring tool for added protection and assurance.

Stay Prepared helps to prepare the Singapore community for emergencies like major accidents, natural disasters, pandemics, severe haze or terrorist attacks. It is supported by the Temasek Emergency Preparedness Fund, managed by Temasek Foundation.

Temasek Foundation has been working with multiple partners to help support communities in and outside Singapore to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. These initiatives are in five focus areas: diagnosis; containment and contact tracing; treatment; protection and prevention; and enablement. Our aim is to safeguard communities, frontline workers and vulnerable populations, both in Singapore and elsewhere as needed. For more info about other Stay Prepared initiatives, please visit stayprepared.sg.