What are normal levels, and when should I worry?
Normal SpO2 is usually at least 95%. Some patients with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels of around 90%.
A medical professional should be consulted when the SpO2 reading is below the baseline, or according to the protocol of the medical center, if the patient is a resident of a long-term care facility; or has been previously evaluated by a physician for concerns related to fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or shortness of breath, muscle or body aches, stuffy or runny nose.
Supplemental oxygen or other treatments might be needed.
Other people should contact a health care provider if they experience shortness of breath or when measured SpO2 is <95%.
What is a good pulse oximeter reading?
Your pulse oximeter will show you your oxygen level as “SpO2.” Normal oxygen levels are at least 95%. Some patients with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels of around 90%.
If your home SpO2 reading is less than 95%, call your health care provider.
A pulse oximeter might be a helpful tool for you to monitor your health and help know if you need medical care. While a pulse oximeter may help you feel some control over your health, it does not tell the whole story.
Your oxygen level measured by a pulse oximeter is not the only way to know how sick you are. Some people may feel very sick and have good oxygen levels, and some may feel OK but have poor oxygen levels.
You might also have low oxygen levels if you feel short of breath, are breathing faster than usual, or feel too sick to do your usual daily activities. Call a health care provider right away if you have these symptoms.
Blood oxygen level normal range
What does “blood oxygen level” mean?
“Blood oxygen level” describes the amount of oxygen you have circulating in your blood.
Our bodies need oxygen to function. Oxygen enters the body through the nose and mouth and passes through the lungs into the bloodstream.
Once in the bloodstream, oxygen helps replace cells that wear out, provides energy for our bodies, supports the way our immune system functions, and more.
Low blood oxygen levels indicate that there may be an issue with your lungs or circulation.
Normal oxygen level for adults
Why is there an increased interest in blood oxygen levels?
People started to buy pulse oximeters to measure blood oxygen levels at home when they learned that low levels could be symptoms of the pandemic.
Shortness of breath is a well-known symptom, but it’s not always easy to detect. Some thought this device could be a tool to help self-assess for signs and symptoms.
There have also been reports of “silent hypoxia” where peoples’ oxygen levels are dangerously low, but they don’t necessarily experience shortness of breath.
Best pulse oximeter for accurate reading at home
1. Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): The measurement that indicates what percentage of blood is saturated.
2. Pulse Rate: Pulse rate is nothing but the heart rate that indicates the number of times a heart beats per minute.
The best finger to use it on is the middle finger. We assume that right middle finger and right thumb have the most accurate value that reflects the arterial oxygen saturation.
Absolutely not. We wear masks all day long in the hospital. The masks are designed to be breathed through and there is no evidence that low oxygen levels occur.
Pulse Oximeters: Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 2 readings on a pulse oximeter?
A finger pulse oximeter measures two things:
-Blood Oxygen Saturation
-Pulse Rate
Pulse Oximeter made in the USA
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