Ilustrasi pulse oximeter. (Freepik)
Himedik.com – With so many reported incidents of happy hypoxia in Covid-19 patients, monitoring oxygen saturation be important. Unfortunately not everyone knows how much oxygen saturation is normal.
In medical terms, oxygen saturation may also be known as PaO2 when using blood gases and O2 sat (SpO2) when using bovine pulse. One way of measuring that is widely used is with an oximeter.
Pulse oximeter or pulse oximeter is a noninvasive device that estimates amount of oxygen in blood. It does so by sending infrared light to the capillaries in the fingers, toes, or earlobe. Then measure how much light is reflected from the gas.
The reading shows what percentage of the blood is saturated, known as the SpO2 level. This test has a 2 percent error window. That means the reading may be as much as 2 percent higher or lower than your actual blood oxygen level.
This test may be slightly less accurate, but it is very easy for doctors to perform. So doctors rely on it for quick readings. Here’s a guide to normal oxygen saturation
Normal: If a pulse oximeter measures your blood oxygen level (SpO2), a normal reading is usually between 95 and 100 percent.
However, in COPD or other lung diseases, this range may not apply. The doctor will tell what is normal for the specific condition. For example, it is not uncommon for people with severe COPD to maintain their bovine levels (SpO2) between 88 to 92 percent.
Below normal: A blood oxygen level below normal is called hypoxemia. Hypoxemia is often a cause for concern. The lower the oxygen level, the more severe the hypoxemia. This can cause complications in body tissues and organs.
Usually, an oximeter reading below 95 percent is considered low. It’s important to know what’s normal for you, especially if you have a chronic lung condition.
Your doctor can give you recommendations about an acceptable range of oxygen levels for you.
Above normal: If breathing is not assisted, it is difficult for your oxygen levels to become too high. In most cases, high oxygen levels occur in people taking supplemental oxygen.
(Suara.com/Bimo Aria Fundrika)
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