Categories >> Body Measurements >> Oxygen Saturation
Oxygen saturation refers to the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is bound to oxygen molecules, essentially measuring how much oxygen is carried by the blood; a normal oxygen saturation level for a healthy person is considered to be between 95% and 100%, with readings below 92% potentially indicating a lack of oxygen reaching the body’s tissues (hypoxia) and requiring medical attention; this measurement is typically taken using a pulse oximeter which clips onto a finger or earlobe. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
Key points about oxygen saturation: [2, 3, 7]
• Definition: The proportion of hemoglobin in red blood cells that is currently carrying oxygen molecules. [2, 3, 7]
• Normal range: 95% – 100% [1, 2, 4]
• Measurement method: Pulse oximetry [1, 5, 8]
• Low oxygen saturation (hypoxia): Can indicate respiratory issues, circulatory problems, or high altitude exposure [1, 6, 9]
• Clinical significance: Monitoring oxygen levels is crucial for managing patients with lung diseases, heart conditions, or during surgery [1, 3, 7]
[1] https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/pulse-oximetry
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592401/
[3] https://www.weinmann-emergency.com/topics/monitoring-defibrillation/blood-oxygen-saturation
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/oxygen-saturation
[5] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/pulse-oximetry
[6] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22447-blood-oxygen-level
[7] https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-is-Oxygen-Saturation.aspx
[8] https://www.cosinuss.com/en/measured-data/vital-signs/oxygen-saturation/
[9] https://www.verywellhealth.com/oxygen-saturation-914796