What is SPO2?

When it comes to health, there is no arguing that blood oxygen levels are an important factor. To measure the amount of oxygen in a person’s blood, the medical community has developed a measurement system known as a saturation of peripheral oxygen (SPO2). This system allows for the precise tracking of oxygen levels in a patient’s blood over time, which helps to determine how a patient’s health is responding to treatments such as oxygen therapy. SPO2 can also help doctors make better decisions about medications and other interventions.

What Does SPO2 Show?

The SPO2 test measures the percentage of oxygen-saturated blood that travels through the body. This percentage relates to the amount of oxygen that is transferred through the bloodstream and delivered to the cells, tissues, and organs. Commonly referred to as “arterial oxygen saturation,” SPO2 values range from 80 to 100 percent, with 95 percent and above considered to be a normal range. A SPO2 of less than 92 percent indicates the presence of hypoxemia, which is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough oxygen.

The Importance of Knowing SPO2

SPO2 tests often provide insight into a patient’s overall health, including the presence of certain health issues or disorders. For example, a low SPO2 may indicate respiratory issues such as sleep apnea or asthma, as well as illnesses such as pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, or shunt dysfunction. Likewise, an increase in a patient’s SPO2 can indicate a successful response to oxygen therapy or other treatments used to improve the patient’s oxygenation.

Due to its importance in measuring oxygen levels, SPO2 monitoring devices have become increasingly popular in recent years. These devices allow patients with respiratory issues to continuously monitor their oxygen saturation, so they can quickly alert healthcare providers if their condition worsens or if they need medical attention. As technology improves and handheld devices become more accessible, SPO2 is becoming an increasingly valuable tool in understanding and treating respiratory problems.