What should blood saturation be

Back to Resources. Understanding Oxygen Saturation Oxygen saturation SpO 2 measures how much oxygen blood carries in comparison to its full capacity. Nonin Personal Finger Pulse Oximeters Nonin invented the very first finger pulse oximeter in , making pulse oximetry a viable solution for at-home patient monitoring.

Count on Nonin for Peerless At-Home Monitoring Solutions To learn more about Nonin and our award-winning self-monitoring oximetry devices, be sure to contact us today. Related Resources From Nonin. View All Resources. October 25, September 25, I am looking for.

This site uses cookies to track activity and customize content. By continuing to use this site, we assume you consent to the placement of these cookies. You can change your cookie preferences at any time. Most of the oxygen is carried by red blood cells, which collect oxygen from the lungs and deliver it to all parts of the body. The body closely monitors blood oxygen levels to keep them within a specific range, so that there is enough oxygen for the needs of every cell in the body.

A normal blood oxygen level varies between 75 and millimeters of mercury mm Hg. When blood oxygen level is too low compared to the average level of a healthy person, it can be a sign of a condition known as hypoxemia. This means that the body has difficulty delivering oxygen to all of its cells, tissues, and organs.

The most efficient way to monitor blood oxygen levels is by an arterial blood gas or ABG test. For this test, a blood sample is taken from an artery, usually in the wrist. This procedure is very accurate, but it can be a little painful. An ABG test can be difficult to do at home, so a person may wish to do an alternative test, using a small device known as a pulse oximeter. A pulse oximeter is a small clip that is often put on a finger, although it can also be used on the ear or toe.

Although the pulse oximeter test is easier, quicker, and not painful, it is not as accurate as the ABG test. This is because it can be influenced by factors such as dirty fingers, bright lights, nail polish, and poor circulation to the extremities. For people who wish to purchase a pulse oximeter, there is a range of easy-to-use devices available online.

Relating oxygen partial pressure, saturation and content: the haemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve. Mechanisms of hypoxemia. Lung India.

Human adaptation to hypoxia in critical illness. J Appl Physiol. Caboot J, Allen J. Hypoxemia in sickle cell disease: Significance and management. Paediatr Respir Rev. Ferdinand P, Roffe C. Hypoxia after stroke: a review of experimental and clinical evidence. Exp Trans Stroke Med. Hypoxia-related parameters during septic shock resuscitation: Pathophysiological determinants and potential clinical implications. Yale Medicine.

Should you really have a pulse oximeter at home? Published May National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Cerebral hypoxia information page. Updated March Anemia and transfusion of red blood cells. Colomb Med. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.

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Table of Contents. You can measure your blood oxygen level with a pulse oximeter. Your blood oxygen level is measured as a percentage—95 to percent is considered normal.

If you see readings at or below this level, you should contact your health care provider immediately or go to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room. Bime said.

But if you develop symptoms, you might want to check your level. If you have lung or heart conditions, your doctor might want you to routinely check your blood oxygen levels at home. You have a few options. Bime recommends them for many of his patients with chronic diseases.