What is considered a good pulse ox

Understanding Oxygen Saturation

Oxygen saturation (SpO2) measures how much oxygen blood carries in comparison to its full capacity. In other words, it’s an estimation of how much oxygen the hemoglobin in your blood contains compared to how much it could contain. Pulse oximetry devices represent this measurement using a simple percentage. So if your red blood cells contain 95% oxygenated and 5% non-oxygenated hemoglobin, your SpO2 would be 95%. Simple, right?

Now, this is where things get more complicated. It’s possible (and perfectly natural) for your SpO2 to change throughout the day, particularly if you’re transitioning from low-energy to high-energy activities. However, as long as your SpO2 stays within a healthy range amidst these fluctuations, there’s no need for concern.
Changes in activity aren’t the only factors that impact oxygen saturation. There are several adverse conditions and diseases that can negatively impact SpO2, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). People afflicted by these health problems often have a lower SpO2 average, necessitating the use of supplemental oxygen and other treatment methods.

Your “Normal” SpO2 Range

According to the Mayo Clinic, normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to 100 percent. Values under 90 percent are considered low, and indicate the need for supplemental oxygen. This condition is often referred to as hypoxemia, and its symptoms include severe shortness of breath, increased heart rate and chest pain.

For people with chronic lung conditions and other breathing problems, the “normal” SpO2 range of 95% to 100% doesn’t apply. These individuals should always consult with their doctor for information on acceptable oxygen levels for their unique state of health. That being said, here are a few general guidelines on SpO2 for individuals with acute respiratory issues and chronic diseases:
● In a patient with acute respiratory illness (e.g., influenza) or breathing difficulty (e.g, an asthma attack), an SpO2 of 92% or less may indicate a need for oxygen supplementation.
● In a patient with stable chronic disease (e.g., COPD), an SpO2 of 92% or less should prompt referral for further investigation of the need for long-term oxygen therapy.1

Measuring Your Oxygen Level

Today’s medical experts have access to a wide variety of SpO2 monitoring tools, including finger pulse oximeters. These compact, noninvasive devices attach painlessly to the fingertip and send wavelengths of light through the finger to assess SpO2 and pulse rate. Under the guidance of their physicians, people with heart and breathing problems can use personal finger pulse oximeters to manage their conditions and assess the efficacy of treatment methods. Pulse oximetry can be a useful aid in decision-making, but is not a substitute for a clinical assessment, nor sufficient for diagnosis by itself. Arterial blood gas measurements, obtained by arterial puncture, remain the gold standard for measurement of oxygen saturation.

A personal finger pulse oximeter is designed to be fast, durable and intuitive. All you have to do is place it on any finger and wait a few seconds for it to measure your current SpO2 and heart rate. However, not all pulse oximeters deliver the same level of performance and versatility. Many other brands of finger pulse oximeters are unable to perform with accuracy on patients with low perfusion or dark skin pigmentation, and can’t stand up to repeated daily use. That’s why in-home caretakers and people suffering from respiratory problems count on clinically proven self-monitoring solutions from Nonin.

Nonin Personal Finger Pulse Oximeters

Nonin invented the very first finger pulse oximeter in 1995, making pulse oximetry a viable solution for at-home patient monitoring. Our personal finger pulse oximeters are engineered for daily use in the most demanding monitoring environments, making them suitable for detecting SpO2 and adjusting oxygen flow while exercising, traveling or resting at home. Nonin pulse oximeters provide fast, reliable measurements that empower users and their physicians to make smarter, more confident healthcare decisions.

Count on Nonin for Peerless At-Home Monitoring Solutions

To learn more about Nonin and our award-winning self-monitoring oximetry devices, be sure to contact us today. We can guide you to the perfect at-home monitoring solution for your specific needs.

• Symptoms
  • What Are Symptoms of Low Oxygen Saturation Levels?
• Causes
  • What Causes Low Oxygen Saturation Levels?
• Diagnosis
  • How Are Low Oxygen Saturation Levels Diagnosed?
• Treatment
  • What Is the Treatment for Low Oxygen Saturation Levels?
• Guide
  • What Is a Good Oxygen Rate by Age? Topic Guide

Oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) between 95 to 100 percent are considered normal for both adults and children (below 95% is considered abnormal). People over 70 years of age may have oxygen levels closer to 95%.

• Normal oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) are between 95 to 100 percent for both adults and children. 
• Oxygen saturation levels below 95% are considered abnormal, and the brain may be affected when SpO2 levels drop below 80 to 85 percent. Bluish discoloration of the skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis) occurs when SpO2 levels fall below 67%.
• However, older adults usually have slightly lower oxygen saturation levels than younger adults and children. People over 70 years of age may have oxygen levels closer to 95%, which can be normal for that age group, while normal SpO2 rates for infants and children are usually 97% and higher. 
• Low levels of oxygen in the body’s tissues are called hypoxia. Low levels of oxygen in the blood are called hypoxemia. Both hypoxia and hypoxemia can occur separately, though they often occur together because when blood oxygen levels are low, the blood does not deliver enough oxygen to the body’s tissues. Hypoxia is often used to describe both low oxygen in the body’s tissues as well as low blood oxygen. 

Blood Oxygen Levels Chart by Age Using a Pulse OximetryConditionSpO2 LevelsNormalAbnormal (the brain may be affected)Bluish discoloration of the skin or Cyanosis

95% to 100% on both adults and children

80% to 85%

Below 67%

What Are Symptoms of Low Oxygen Saturation Levels?

Signs and symptoms of low oxygen saturation levels (hypoxia and/or hypoxemia) include:

• Coughing
• Fast heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Slow heart rate
• Sweating 
• Wheezing
• Headache 
• Changes in skin color, ranging from blue to cherry red
• Blue skin, lips, and fingernails 
• Confusion
• Disorientation

Hypoxia is a medical emergency. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoxia, call 911 and get to a hospital’s emergency department (do not drive yourself).

QUESTION

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the same as adult-onset asthma. See Answer

How Are Low Oxygen Saturation Levels Diagnosed?

Low oxygen saturation levels (hypoxia and/or hypoxemia) are diagnosed with a physical examination. A doctor listens to the heart and lungs and will also look to see if the skin, lips, or fingernails have a bluish color. 

Tests used to check oxygen levels include:

• Pulse oximetry
• Arterial blood gas (ABG) test
• Pulmonary (lung) function tests

What Is the Treatment for Low Oxygen Saturation Levels?

Low oxygen saturation levels (hypoxia and/or hypoxemia) are a medical emergency and treatment involves administration of oxygen in a hospital. 

• Oxygen is usually administered via a nasal cannula or a mask that covers the nose and mouth
• Asthma medications or an inhaler may be used to help patients breathe
• Steroids may be used to help reduce inflammation
• Antibiotics may be given if there is an underlying infection
• In severe cases:
  • Oxygen in a hyperbaric chamber
  • Mechanical ventilation (intubation)

Reviewed on 10/26/2021

References

//www.uptodate.com/contents/measures-of-oxygenation-and-mechanisms-of-hypoxemia?search=oxygenation%20and%20mechanisms%20of%20hypoxemia&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

//emedicine.medscape.com/article/304381-overview

//www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525974/

//med.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Nursing/Book%3A_Vital_Sign_Measurement_Across_the_Lifespan_(Lapum_et_al.)/04%3A_Oxygen_Saturation/4.10%3A_What_are_Normal_Oxygen_Saturation_Levels%3F

//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15871568/