SpO₂ Levels Explained – Normal Oxygen Saturation & Its Importance
SpO₂, or peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, measures the percentage of oxygen carried by red blood cells in the blood. It is an important indicator of how well oxygen is being delivered to the body’s tissues. SpO₂ is commonly measured using a pulse oximeter , a small, painless device placed on the finger, toe, or earlobe. A normal SpO₂ level ranges from 95% to 100% in healthy individuals. Low SpO₂ Levels 90–94% : Mild hypoxia Below 90% : Medical emergency (requires oxygen support) Causes of Low SpO₂ Lung diseases (asthma, COPD, pneumonia) COVID-19 Heart conditions High altitude Anemia Why SpO₂ Is Important Monitoring SpO₂ helps in early detection of breathing problems and guides oxygen therapy, especially in critically ill patients. Maintaining healthy lungs and good circulation helps keep SpO₂ levels normal.