What is the average oxygen saturation in blood

Because a pulse ox is noninvasive, you can perform this test yourself. You can purchase pulse ox devices at most stores that carry health-related products or online. Talk to your doctor before using a home device so that you understand how to interpret the results.

A measurement of your blood oxygen is called your oxygen saturation level. In medical shorthand, you may hear it called a PaO 2 when using a blood gas and an O 2 sat SpO2 when using a pulse ox. These guidelines will help you understand what your result might mean:. Normal: A normal ABG oxygen level for healthy lungs falls between 80 and millimeters of mercury mm Hg.

If a pulse ox measured your blood oxygen level SpO2 , a normal reading is typically between 95 and percent. However, in COPD or other lung diseases, these ranges may not apply. Below normal: A below-normal blood oxygen level is called hypoxemia. Hypoxemia is often cause for concern.

The lower the oxygen level, the more severe the hypoxemia. This can lead to complications in body tissue and organs. Your doctor can provide recommendations as to what ranges of oxygen levels are acceptable for you. In most cases, high oxygen levels occur in people who use supplemental oxygen. This can be detected on an ABG. When your blood oxygen level goes outside the typical range, you may begin experiencing symptoms.

If you continue to have low blood oxygen levels, you may show symptoms of cyanosis. The hallmark sign of this condition is a blue discoloration of your nail beds, skin, and mucus membranes. Cyanosis is considered an emergency. Cyanosis can lead to respiratory failure , which can be life-threatening. If your blood oxygen level is too low, you may need to boost your oxygen saturation. This is often done with supplemental oxygen. Home supplemental oxygen is considered a medication, and your doctor must prescribe it.

Your health insurance may cover the expense. These conditions may prevent your lungs from adequately inhaling oxygen-containing air and exhaling carbon dioxide. Likewise, blood disorders and problems with your circulatory system may prevent your blood from picking up oxygen and transporting it throughout your body.

Any of these problems or disorders can lead to declining oxygen saturation levels. As your oxygen levels fall, you may begin experiencing symptoms of hypoxemia. People who smoke may have an inaccurately high pulse ox reading. Smoking causes carbon monoxide to build up in your blood. If you smoke and need to know your blood oxygen level, an ABG may be the only way to receive an accurate reading. Only people with health problems that cause low oxygen states are usually asked to check their levels.

Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to percent. Values under 90 percent are considered low. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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Bime recommends them for many of his patients with chronic diseases. Some of the latest wearable fitness devices can also measure your blood oxygen level—the Apple Watch Series 6 and certain Fitbit and Garmin devices track it through your wrist, and the Wellue Continuous Ring Oximeter takes readings from your finger.

They can be okay, with caveats. If you notice low oxygen levels on a fitness tracker, contact your healthcare provider for an evaluation. Bime still recommends getting evaluated by your doctor.

By Stephanie Thurrott , Contributing Writer. Oct 22, Teach Me. What does my blood oxygen level tell me? Are there other times I should be checking my blood oxygen levels? How can I check my blood oxygen level?