Blood Oxygen Saturation

SpO2 is a basic vital of all humans.

SpO2 is the indicator of the percentage of how much blood is carrying oxygen.

The normal ranges for adults are 95%–100%, with hypoxia starting at 94% and below.

SpO2 can be monitored by using pulse oximeters.

Clip the oximeter onto an appropriate finger such as the middle or index finger.

Wait for the reading to stabilise and note it down.

Note that measurements can be inaccurate due to:

• Poor circulation
• Nail polish
• Extreme cold
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Patient movement
• Darker skin pigment

Remember to use your best judgement.

SpO2 treatments should usually start at 94% and below.

Treatment methods include nasal cannula, mask, and BVMs with different oxygen flow rates.

For example, 15 L BVM for extremely low SpO2 levels.

15 L being oxygen and BVM meaning bag valve mask.

Nasal cannulas are used for mild hypoxia, oxygen masks for medium hypoxia, and BVM for severe hypoxia.

Once treatment is finished, keep monitoring SpO2 levels for improvement or decline.