Drive Fingertip Pulse Oximeter - MQ3000

The Drive MQ3000 is a fingertip pulse oximeter: it clips onto a finger and shows oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate on a red LED screen. Drive labels it for sports or aviation use only, for athletes, people active at high elevation and pilots. It is licensed by Health Canada (medical device licence 98120).

What does it do and how does it work?

• Measures: SpO2 up to full saturation and pulse rate from 30 to 250 bpm, with a pulse strength bar and waveform.
• Display: red LED; no memory, so write down any reading you want to keep. It updates in under 5 seconds.
• Power: two AAA batteries, included; 20 to 30 hours of use; auto-off when the finger is removed.

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

• Intended use: sports and aviation spot checks, including sport and elevation activities. It is not a treatment device and not for continuous supervision.
• A medical condition: ask your doctor which device to use.
• Overnight or alarm use: it has no alarms, not even a low-battery alarm, so do not use it where an alarm is required.
• Children: for children over four and adults weighing 15 to 110 kg (33 to 243 lbs); not for infants or neonates.
• A latex allergy: ask us to confirm the current stock before ordering.

Will it fit?

• It takes paediatric to adult fingers; insert the finger fully, and use the thumb or middle finger if it is thin or cold.
• Remove nail polish, keep the nail short, and do not use the same finger for more than 2 hours.
• Do not use it on a limb with a blood pressure cuff or an IV line, and shade it from strong light.

Using it day to day

• Stay still until the reading settles. Keep it dry and stop if it gets wet; after coming in from the cold, wait before a reading.
• It works at 10 to 40 C; keep it away from flammable gas, MRI and CT environments.
• Wipe it with medical alcohol on a soft cloth and let it air dry; never immerse or steam it. Remove the batteries if it will sit unused for over a month.

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

• Accuracy: Drive states SpO2 ±2% from 70% upward, with no figure below 70%, and pulse ±2 bpm or ±2%, whichever is larger.
• Health Canada: readings can be less accurate on dark skin and as oxygen falls, and with nail polish, cold fingers or poor circulation. Do not rely on one reading as the only measure.
• Other factors: a weak pulse, low body temperature, severe anaemia, carbon monoxide and some dyes or medicines can also affect it. Ask your doctor about readings.
• Warranty: Drive limited 2 years from purchase, materials and workmanship.

How does it compare?

• BP3400 upper-arm monitor or BP2116 wrist monitor: blood pressure, which this device does not measure.
• All pulse oximeters are on the hub page.

Funding and returns

Ask your private plan whether it reimburses an oximeter. A used or opened oximeter cannot be returned: see the return policy. We deliver across Toronto and the GTA.