[Pulse oximetry: Role in the COVID-19 patient at home]. / Pulsioximetría: papel en el paciente COVID-19 domiciliario.

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 behaves like a heterogeneous disease. Some patients may develop dyspnea-free hypoxemia during its evolution (silent hypoxemia). Pulse oximetry plays a crucial role in detecting hypoxemia in these patients, especially when they remain at home. Patients with SpO2 levels ≤ 92% or desaturations ≥ 3% after exercise test require hospital admission. Progressive saturation declines reaching SpO2 levels < 96% require strict clinical assessment (radiological study, blood test) for which it will be sent to a health center.