A normal level of oxygen is usually 95% or higher. Some people with chronic lung disease or sleep apnea can have normal levels around 90%. Oxygen level in the human body The “SpO2” reading on a pulse oximeter shows the percentage of oxygen in someone’s blood. If your home SpO2 reading is lower than 95%, call your health care provider.
Blood Oxygen Level
What does blood oxygen level mean?
Your blood oxygen level (blood oxygen saturation) is the amount of oxygen you have circulating in your blood.
Oxygen is essential to life, and our bodies need a certain amount of oxygen to function properly. Oxygen enters your body through your nose or mouth when you breathe (inhale) and passes through your lungs into your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, the oxygen then goes to cells all over your body. All of your cells need oxygen to create energy efficiently, and your body needs energy to fulfill all of its processes, such as digestion and even thinking.
Once your cells use oxygen, they create carbon dioxide. Your bloodstream then carries the carbon dioxide back to your lungs, and you breathe it out (exhale it) through your mouth or nose.
Blood Oxygen Levels: Chart
Oxygen levels are measured according to the percentage of oxygen saturated in your blood. This is called your SpO2 level.
Normal Blood Oxygen Levels
For medical purposes, a normal blood oxygen saturation rate is often considered between 95% and 100%. However, you may not experience any symptoms if your percentage is lower.
‘Concerning’ Blood Oxygen Levels
Oxygen concentrations between 91% and 95% may indicate a medical problem. People in this situation should contact their healthcare provider.
Low Blood Oxygen Levels
The medical definition of a low blood oxygen rate is any percentage below 90% oxygen saturation. Oxygen saturation below 90% is very concerning and indicates an emergency. Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know experiences such a low blood oxygen level.
When Low Oxygen Saturation Affects Your Brain
By the time your oxygen saturation has fallen to between 80% and 85%, your brain may be affected by the lack of oxygen. You may also experience vision changes.
Cyanosis
The first visible symptoms of low blood oxygen, cyanosis causes a blue tinge to develop on your skin, particularly around your mouth and lips and beneath your fingernail matrix. This change occurs when your blood oxygen saturation reaches approximately 67%.
What is a blood oxygen level test?
There are two main ways to measure or test blood oxygen levels: through a blood draw test and through pulse oximeter (using an oximeter). A blood draw test provides much more information about your oxygen levels than an oximeter does.
Oxygen level blood draw test
Healthcare providers can measure your blood oxygen level as part of a larger test known as an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. An ABG test measures the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood. The test also checks the balance of acids and bases, known as the pH balance, in your blood. Having too much or too little acid in your blood can be harmful to your health.
Pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter can also measure blood oxygen saturation levels through a small clip that’s usually placed on your finger or toe. An oximeter reading only indicates what percentage of your blood is saturated with oxygen, known as the SpO2 level, as well as your heart rate. It’s a quick and harmless way to check if someone’s blood oxygen level is too low.
Healthcare providers use pulse oximeter frequently in hospitals. You can also use a pulse oximeter at home — you can usually buy one from a pharmacy or certain stores and websites.
Why do I need to have my blood oxygen level tested?
Your healthcare provider may have you undergo a blood oxygen level test if you’re experiencing any of the following acute (sudden and serious) conditions:
- If you’re having trouble breathing. (A newborn baby may also need a blood oxygen test if they are having trouble breathing).
- If you’ve recently injured your head or neck, which can affect your breathing.
- Thirdly If you have coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
- If you have pneumonia.
- If you have carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Similarly If you have a smoke inhalation injury.
- If you’ve had multiple episodes of nausea and/or vomiting.
- If you’ve had a drug overdose.
Your provider may also perform a blood oxygen test if you have any of the following lung conditions to make sure your treatment is working properly:
- Asthma.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Cystic fibrosis.
- Heart disease.
How can I increase my blood oxygen level?
There are some ways to naturally increase the amount of oxygen in your blood, including:
- Breathing in fresh air: Opening your windows or going outside for a walk can increase the amount of oxygen that your body brings in, which increases your overall blood oxygen level.
- Quitting smoking: Only two to three weeks after you quit smoking, your circulation will likely improve significantly. After one to nine months, your shortness of breath decreases. Both of these aspects contribute to your body’s ability to take in more oxygen.
- Practicing breathing exercises: Simple breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing and deep belly breathing can open your airways and increase the amount of oxygen in your blood.
You can use a pulse oximeter at home to check your blood oxygen level and see if these natural ways to increase your oxygen intake work for you.
However, it’s important to note that if you have an underlying condition, especially a severe illness such as pneumonia or carbon monoxide poisoning, these natural remedies may not be enough to increase your blood oxygen to an acceptable level.
If you experience signs of hypoxemia, get to the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
TEST DETAILS
Who performs a blood oxygen level test?
A healthcare provider specialist called a respiratory therapist usually performs blood draws for blood oxygen level tests that are a part of arterial blood gas tests from an artery in your wrist. The sample is then either processed by the respiratory therapist or sent to a lab very quickly where medical laboratory scientists process the sample.
Any healthcare provider can apply a pulse oximeter to check your blood oxygen saturation level. You can also use a pulse oximeter on yourself or someone else at home.
What happens before a blood oxygen level test?
If a respiratory therapist is taking a blood sample from an artery in your wrist, they may perform a blood circulation test called an Allen test before taking the sample. An Allen test involves holding your hand high with a clenched fist. Your provider will then apply pressure to the arteries in your wrist for several seconds. This simple test makes sure both of the arteries in your wrist are open and working properly.
If you’re on supplemental oxygen therapy, your provider may turn off your oxygen for about 20 minutes before the blood draw. This is called a room air test. If you’re unable to breathe without supplemental oxygen, your provider will not do this test.
What should I expect during a blood oxygen level test?
Most blood tests take a blood sample from one of your veins. For a blood oxygen level test that’s part of an arterial blood gas test. Oxygen level in the human body a respiratory therapist will take a sample of blood from one of your arteries. This is because there are higher oxygen levels in blood from an artery than blood from a vein.
What is a normal blood oxygen level?
Laboratories may have different reference ranges for the aspects of your blood that are measured in a blood oxygen level test. When you get your blood test results back, there will be information that indicates what that lab’s normal ranges are for each measurement. If you have any questions about your results, be sure to ask your healthcare provider.
For most people, a normal pulse oximeter reading for your oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%. If you have a lung disease such as COPD or pneumonia, your normal oxygen saturation level may be lower. Your healthcare provider will let you know what levels are acceptable. Your oxygen saturation levels may also be lower if you live in an area with high elevation.
It’s important to note that pulse oximeters are not always accurate. Your actual blood saturation level may be 2% to 4% higher or lower than what the oximeter reads. For a more accurate result, your provider may check your blood oxygen levels with a blood test.
What does a low blood oxygen level mean?
A lower-than-normal blood oxygen level is called hypoxemia. oxygen level in the human body Since oxygen is essential to all of your body’s functions. Hypoxemia is often concerning. The lower the oxygen level, the greater likelihood for complications in body tissue and organs.
A variety of conditions and circumstances can interfere with your body’s ability to deliver normal levels of oxygen to your blood. Some of the most common causes of low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) include:
- Heart conditions.
- Lung conditions such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis.
- Strong pain medications or other problems that slow breathing.
- Sleep apnea (impaired breathing during sleep).
- Inflammation or scarring of your lung tissue.
- Locations of high altitudes, where oxygen in the air is lower.
If you have a low blood oxygen level, your healthcare provider will likely have you undergo further testing to determine what is causing your low levels. A blood O2l test alone cannot determine the cause.
When should I know the results of my blood oxygen level test?
O2 level in the human body The results for a blood sample oxygen level test are usually available right away (within minutes).
A pulse oximeter reveals your oxygen saturation level within seconds.
When should I call my doctor?
If you’re using an oximeter at home and your O2 saturation level is 92% or lower, call your healthcare provider. it’s at 88% or lower, get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible.
You have a chronic lung condition, such as COPD or asthma. oxygen level in the human body. You’ll likely need to see your healthcare provider regularly to make sure your treatment is working. If you develop concerning symptoms related to your lung condition, call your provider as soon as possible.
