What does SpO2 measure?

SpO2 measures the saturation of peripheral oxygen in the bloodstream. This is a crucial parameter in oxygen therapy as it reflects the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen. A reading of SpO2 is obtained using a pulse oximeter, which is a non-invasive device that clips onto a patient's finger or earlobe and uses light absorption principles to determine how much oxygen is carried in the blood.

The measurement is essential for assessing a patient’s respiratory function and overall oxygenation. A normal SpO2 level typically ranges from 95% to 100%, and lower values can indicate hypoxemia, prompting medical intervention. This concept is vital in oxygen therapy as maintaining adequate oxygen saturation is fundamental to patient care, particularly in those with respiratory conditions.

Understanding SpO2 is critical for healthcare providers as it helps in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect the oxygenation of the blood. It's one of the key parameters assessed along with patient history and clinical signs when determining oxygen therapy needs.