Make sure you don't have nail paints or henna on your finger.
Make sure that your hands are at normal temperature, warm them at first if you feel they're cold.
Rest and make your body relaxed before putting on the pulse oximeter.
Place the pulse oximeter on your index or middle finger.
Place your hand on your chest near your heart and try reducing hand movement
Keep the pulse oximeter on your finger for at least a minute, till the reading stabilises.
Record the highest reading that flashes on the oximeter after it has established after 5 seconds
Health Tips
Also a good brand oximeter should be used.