Why do they shorten the name "pulse oximeter" to "pulse ox?"

I would have went with "pulse meter," at least it doesn't sound like you're saying "Paul's socks." I know, funny, right? I actually thought the instructor was saying "socks" the first few times she said "pulse ox." Even when she pulled one out to demonstrate, I was this close to saying "Why do they call it a sock?" Hella weird.

Top | Newest First | Oldest First

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

Well, it makes sense they went with pulse ox because a pulse oximeter is measuring the OXygen in your blood, not your actual pulse which is what the odd term 'pulse meter' would suggest.

View 7 more replies »

NativePortlander1970 ·

@LadyBronte Another SW member told me a few weeks ago she was getting frequent nosebleeds at 4.8, so I advised her to see a different dr who properly readjusted her, she's now averaging 2.3 to 2.8 on a weekly basis.

LadyBronte · 56-60, F

@NativePortlander1970 Yes. That was good advice.

NativePortlander1970 ·

@LadyBronte Call it over 7 1/2 years experience on low dose D*Con :)

Gibbon · 70-79, M

The terms need to be reversed. Mine are called oximeters. I have several and their primary purpose is to conveniently measure oxygen levels. The pulse is just an added feature as is a prufusion index on some.

RockerDad · M

Because it’s not only measuring the pulse, it’s also measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

We actually usually speak of the result as an O2 sat.

NativePortlander1970 ·

Because oxi/ox is short for oxygen

Add a comment...