Nonin GO2 Achieve Fingertip Pulse Oximeter - Blue

Either I received a defective unit, or the performance is a representative of the entire line is not clear (especially when I purchased this unit after reading so many glowing reviews of its accuracy), but it was not for me.

I purchased this unit to monitor the spO2 level of my daughter who frequently goes into respiratory distress--more for follow-up to see if she has recovered her full lung use after an episode. I first tested on everybody in the family. The highest reading I ever got was 98%, even when I tried to hyperventilate to increase the spO2. It was same with my daughter.. when she was well, it registered 98%. Not a good sign (at best it already has a 2-pt offset). the number did go down when I held my breath for a very long time, so it definitely does detect some sort of spO2 levels.

However, during the most recent respiratory episode, I measured my daughter's spO2 using the GO2 Achieve and compared to the one used at the doctor's office.. when the doctor's unit measured me at 100% and my daughter at 95%, the GO2 read 98% and 97%, respectively. When it cannot even distinguish a 5% difference in the spO2 level, it is completely unreliable for my needs. If there was a consistent 2pt offset (like reading 98% and 93% when it should have read 100% and 95%) I would have been slightly annoyed, but happy with it. But that was not the case. When it couldn't even detect the same amount of spO2 spread, it was just way too inaccurate to be useful.

It may be good for a casual user who isn't medically reliant on the readout, but not to monitor anyone with potentially serious consequences of not being able to detect within a 4-5pt inaccuracy. (yes. the manufacturer states +/-2pt accuracy, but typically you would expect it would consistently read 2pt high or 2pt low... but not 2pt low for one reading and 2pt high for another)

That being said, it's a pretty simple device to use, and seems relatively well-made. and definitely good for detecting severe case of desaturation (but by then, i would think the patient will be gasping for air, so you won't need an oximeter to tell you there's a problem). thus getting a 2star instead of just 1.

I have returned the item.

I had previously thought to purchase an oximeter but the prices were 4 times that of this Nonin. I questioned some of the staff at a local rehab center about this unit and they recommended it as the best. Since I have owned the Nonin Oximeter I am easily able to test my oxygen level and pulse any time i wish. The addition of a clock built into it is also handy. It works well and accurately, if you are in need of an oximeter, I highly recommend this Nonin.

I am very pleased with the way this small extremely portable device performs; and its accuracy seems to be excellent.

This is a great product. My aunt has pulmonary fibrosis, and i use it to monitor her oxygen levels. It is very accurate. We have checked it against other products with the visiting nurses. I would recommend it to anyone.

This has been a real help to me as I am on oxygen 24/7. At the doctor's office, this compared exactly with their oximeter and the nurse was impressed with my Nonin G02.