Blood oxygen saturation is a metric that provides insight into a patient’s respiratory health and overall oxygenation status. It’s an important metric for patients and healthcare professionals alike to understand. Let’s delve into what blood oxygen saturation is and why we measure it.
Definition of Blood Oxygen Saturation
Blood oxygen saturation measures how much oxygen-carrying hemoglobin there is in a person’s blood relative to the amount of oxygen-free hemoglobin. Another term for blood oxygen saturation is SpO2.
The metric is expressed as a percentage. A normal SpO2 level typically ranges from 95 to 100 percent; anything below that could be cause for concern.
How We Measure SpO2
Pulse oximetry is how blood oxygen saturation is measured. Modern medicine relies heavily on the innovations of pulse oximetry to monitor blood oxygen saturation. Noninvasive and easy to use, pulse oximeters quickly provide real-time data on a patient’s oxygenation status. These devices emit light wavelengths through the skin. These wavelengths detect the amount of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin.
Why We Measure Blood Oxygen Saturation
So why does knowing a person’s blood oxygen saturation matter? Basically, the metric helps clinicians assess whether a patient’s tissues are receiving adequate oxygen.
This is important because oxygen saturation levels indicate how well the lungs, heart, and circulatory system are working together to deliver oxygen throughout the body.
Low SpO2 levels of below 95 percent can indicate medical conditions. For instance, low levels could indicate hypoxemia, which may require immediate medical attention and intervention.
Wrapping Up
Pulse oximetry is indispensable in critical care settings, during surgeries, and in managing chronic illnesses like COPD or sleep apnea. By understanding what blood oxygen saturation is and why we measure it, healthcare providers can make more informed decisions regarding treatment plans, oxygen therapy, and patient management. Additionally, patients who understand the metric can better connect with their health and have informed discussions with their healthcare providers.