Tessa Quinn
Blood oxygen levels are a vital indicator of a person's health and can be easily checked in a hospital setting. Oxygen saturation levels can be measured using a pulse oximeter, a small, simple, and non-invasive device that provides a quick reading. This method is commonly used in hospitals and at home. Healthcare professionals may also perform additional tests, such as arterial blood gas tests and other breathing tests, to assess oxygen levels and detect any abnormalities. Maintaining healthy oxygen levels is crucial, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like asthma or cardiovascular disease.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal oxygen saturation level | 95% - 100% |
| Oxygen level indicating an underlying medical issue | 91% - 94% |
| Oxygen level requiring immediate medical attention | Below 95% |
| Oxygen level indicating a medical emergency | Below 90% |
| Oxygen level threatening vital organs | 80% and below |
| Oxygen level requiring hospital care | 84% and below |
| Device used to check oxygen levels | Pulse oximeter |
| Type of device | Handheld, small, easy to carry around |
| Body part used for checking oxygen levels | Fingertip |
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What You'll Learn
Using a pulse oximeter
A pulse oximeter is a small, simple, over-the-counter device that can be used to check oxygen levels in the blood. It is a painless, non-invasive, and easy method of checking blood oxygen levels and is used in hospitals and at home.
To use a pulse oximeter, turn on the device and check that there is enough battery. Then, clip the device onto the end of your finger, ensuring your nail is facing up. The device will then take a few seconds to display a reading. It will give two results: blood oxygen level (SpO2) and pulse rate (PR). The blood oxygen level reading should be above 94% for mild cases and below 90% for serious cases. If the reading falls below 92%, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Pulse oximeters are especially important for people with chronic medical conditions, including asthma, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as they need to have their blood oxygen levels monitored regularly.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, pulse oximeters became a crucial component of many people's medical kits, as healthcare professionals emphasised the need to monitor blood oxygen levels. This is because a falling oxygen level can take a COVID-19 case from mild to critical when left unmonitored.
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Arterial blood gas test
An arterial blood gas (ABG) test is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate the blood's oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. It also measures the body's acid-base (pH) level, which is usually balanced when a person is healthy. ABG tests are typically performed in hospitals, laboratories, or surgical centres. The test is often carried out by a doctor, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, registered nurse, and/or respiratory therapist.
The test requires a small sample of blood, generally around 1 ml, drawn directly from an artery (before the blood has passed through the body's tissues and oxygen has been used up). The radial artery on the wrist is the most common site for the procedure, as it is easier to locate and more superficial. However, the femoral artery in the groin or the brachial artery near the elbow can also be used if necessary. Before the blood is drawn, the healthcare provider will apply pressure to the arteries in the wrist for several seconds to check that blood flow to the hand is normal. This procedure is called the modified Allen test.
After the blood is drawn, firm pressure is applied to the site for at least five minutes or until the bleeding stops. A wrap is then placed around the area, which needs to be kept for at least an hour. The blood sample is then sent off to a laboratory for analysis. The patient may experience moderate discomfort and bruising following the procedure.
ABG tests are typically performed on patients in the hospital or those with a serious injury or illness. The test helps determine lung function and how effectively the lungs move oxygen into the blood and carbon dioxide out. It also provides information about kidney health. ABG tests are particularly useful for patients at risk for sudden decompensation or those with respiratory issues.
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Breathing tests
There are several breathing tests that can be performed to check oxygen levels in a hospital setting.
One common method is the use of a pulse oximeter, a small, painless device that clips onto a patient's fingertip, ear, or toe. It measures blood oxygen saturation by sending beams of red and infrared light through body tissues, such as the nail, skin, and blood. The amount of oxygen in the tissue affects how well the light is absorbed, and this measurement is used to determine blood oxygen levels. Pulse oximetry is a quick, painless, and harmless way to check oxygen levels and is often used in hospitals, clinics, and even at home. It is important to note that the accuracy of pulse oximeters can vary depending on factors such as skin pigmentation.
Another breathing test is the arterial blood gas (ABG) test, which is considered more reliable than pulse oximetry. This test involves taking a blood sample from an artery, usually in the wrist or earlobe. While this method is very accurate, it can be a little uncomfortable or painful. ABG tests are typically performed in hospitals by healthcare providers, and patients cannot perform them at home.
For those with hypoxemia, or low blood oxygen levels, a six-minute walk test (6MWT) can be used to evaluate lung and heart function. This test measures oxygen levels during exertion and records how far a person can walk on a flat surface in six minutes.
In addition to these tests, breathing exercises such as pursed-lip breathing and deep belly breathing can help open airways and increase oxygen levels in the blood. These simple exercises can be practiced at home to improve breathing and oxygen intake.
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Symptoms of low oxygen levels
The body's vital organs and systems require a sufficient amount of oxygen to function effectively. Low blood oxygen levels, or hypoxemia, can be indicative of a respiratory or circulatory problem and can have serious consequences. Hypoxemia can cause hypoxia, a dangerous condition where the body's tissues do not receive enough oxygen.
There are several symptoms of low oxygen levels, and they can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Body aches
- Fast heart rate
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Confusion
- Giddiness
- Loss of judgment
- Loss of coordination
- Weakness
- Nausea
- Fainting
- Loss of consciousness
- Bluish tint to the skin, fingernails, and lips (cyanosis)
In children, low oxygen levels may manifest as poor feeding, fussiness, cyanosis, increased heart rate, increased oxygen demand, or other abnormalities.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice immediately. A pulse oximeter is a simple, over-the-counter device that can be used to measure blood oxygen saturation levels. However, if you are concerned about your oxygen levels, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
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When to seek medical attention
Low blood oxygen levels can be a warning sign that immediate medical attention is required. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoxemia, such as bluish skin, headache, difficulty breathing, and rapid heart rate, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room. Hypoxemia is a life-threatening condition in which the amount of oxygen in the blood and arteries is below normal, affecting how your body functions.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low blood oxygen levels, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, or body aches, you should get your blood oxygen level checked with a pulse oximeter and contact your doctor right away. A pulse oximeter is a simple, over-the-counter device that can be used to quickly and easily check your blood oxygen saturation level. It is a small clip that attaches to your finger, ear, or toe. Normal blood oxygen levels range from 75 to 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) on an arterial blood gas (ABG) test. A reading of 90% or less can be a medical emergency, and you should seek immediate medical help.
If you have a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), it is important to have your blood oxygen levels monitored regularly. Low blood oxygen levels can lead to serious complications and affect your vital organs. Doctors can administer oxygen therapy in an office setting or prescribe home oxygen therapy (HOT). A range of devices are available for delivering and monitoring HOT, but some require a prescription.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of low blood oxygen levels or having trouble breathing, be sure to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to avoiding complications and ensuring good health. Maintaining the right oxygen level in the blood is crucial to maintaining good health.
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Frequently asked questions
A normal oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%.
Hospitals use a pulse oximeter, a small device that clips onto the tip of your finger, or an arterial blood gas test.
If your oxygen level is below 95%, seek medical advice immediately. If your level is below 90%, this is a medical emergency.
Symptoms of low oxygen levels, or hypoxemia, include headaches, difficulty breathing, a fast heart rate, coughing, wheezing, confusion, and a bluish tint to the skin.
