SpO2 stands for peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. It is a measure of the amount of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, expressed as a percentage of the total hemoglobin available. Essentially, it indicates how well oxygen is being carried to parts of your body furthest from your heart, like your arms and legs.
Key Points About SpO2:
– Normal Range: A normal SpO2 reading ranges from 95% to 100%. Values below 90% are considered low and may indicate a need for supplemental oxygen or medical evaluation.
– Measurement: SpO2 is typically measured using a pulse oximeter. This non-invasive device is placed on a thin part of the body, usually a fingertip or earlobe, and uses light to measure how much oxygen is in the blood.
– Why It Matters: Monitoring SpO2 is essential, especially for people with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or heart disease. It helps assess how well treatments are working and if adjustments are needed.
– Limitations: Factors such as nail polish, cold extremities, and poor circulation can affect the accuracy of pulse oximeter readings.
Understanding and monitoring SpO2 can be crucial for managing respiratory and circulatory health conditions effectively.