A pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like device that measures oxygen saturation (SO2) and pulse rate by shining red and infrared lights through body tissues. It works by detecting how much hemoglobin is oxygenated versus deoxygenated through differences in light absorption. A normal SO2 is 95-99%; below 90% is an emergency. Pulse oximetry has evolved since the 1930s and is now widely used in hospitals and homes to monitor patients. Nail polish can interfere with accurate SO2 readings from a pulse oximeter. Future versions may be more accurate, wearable, disposable and wireless.