Drive MQ3200 View SpO2 Pulse Oximeter, Sports and Aviation Use

The Drive MQ3200 View SpO2 is a deluxe fingertip pulse oximeter: it clips onto a finger and shows oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate on a two-colour OLED screen. Drive labels it for sports or aviation use only. Anyone checking for a medical condition should ask their physician first. It is licensed by Health Canada (medical device licence 98119).

What does it do and how does it work?

• Measures: SpO2 up to full saturation and pulse from 30 to 250 bpm, with a pulse bar, waveform and perfusion index.
• Screen: two-colour OLED with auto-rotation; no reading memory.
• Alarms: pulse and SpO2 limits can be set in the menu. There is no low-voltage alarm, so do not use it where an alarm is required.
• Power: two AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries; 20 to 30 hours of use.

Who is it for, and who should choose something else?

• Intended use: sports and aviation spot checks. It is not a treatment device and not for continuous supervision.
• Children: for children over four and adults weighing 15 to 110 kg (33 to 243 lbs); not for infants or neonates.
• Latex allergy: the unit contains natural rubber latex, which may cause an allergic reaction.

Will it fit?

• Insert the finger fully, with the nail facing the light, and stay still while it reads.
• Remove nail polish, artificial nails and long nails; they can affect the reading.
• Do not use the same finger for more than 2 hours, and avoid oedema, tender tissue or a very thin or cold finger.
• Do not use it on a limb with a blood pressure cuff or an IV line.

Using it day to day

• Shade the sensor from strong light, and warm cold hands before a reading.
• The unit powers off when no finger is detected; a low display light means replace the batteries.
• Wipe it with medical alcohol on a soft cloth and air dry; never immerse or steam it. Remove the batteries if it will sit unused for a long period.
• Keep it away from MRI, CT and flammable gas, and stop using it if it gets wet.

What does it work with, and what are its limits?

• Accuracy: Drive states SpO2 ±2% from 70% upward, meaningless below 70%, and ±4% at a 0.4% pulse-filling ratio. Pulse is ±2 bpm or ±2%, whichever is larger.
• Health Canada: readings can be less accurate with darker skin, as oxygen falls, and with nail polish, artificial or long nails or cold fingers. Do not use one reading as the only measure.
• Warranty: 2 years from purchase, repair or replacement; misuse, negligence and normal wear are excluded.

How does it compare?

• MQ3000: also for sports or aviation, on licence 98120.
• 18707: a paediatric hospital spot-check, not a home version.
• All pulse oximeters are on the hub page.

Funding and returns

Ask your private plan whether it reimburses an oximeter. The clip touches skin, so a used or opened unit cannot be returned: see the return policy. We deliver across Toronto and the GTA.