What Is a Normal Range of Blood Oxygen Levels?

Red blood cells carry oxygen through your body via the arteries, supplying your internal organs with oxygen, to keep them functioning normally.

Function

Red blood cells pass through the lungs and absorb oxygen before heading back to the heart.

Significance

Red blood cells become saturated with oxygen to meet your body's oxygen needs. The normal level of saturation is 95 to 100 percent, reports Harvard Medical School. Lower oxygen levels tax your brain and heart, making you tired and irritable, and affecting your ability to concentrate.

Oximeter Test

A pulse oximeter reading is taken via a clip attached to your fingertip. It reads a light shined through your finger---fully saturated blood cells are a different color than less-saturated blood cells, says the Ohio State University Medical Center (OSUMC).

ABG Test

An arterial blood gas test takes a small amount of blood from an artery instead of a vein. Your blood sample is then checked in the lab for the presence of oxygen.

Lung Disease

Any damage to the lungs by disease---or medical conditions such as emphysema or asthma---can cause your oxygen level to drop below 95 percent. Your doctor may recommend oxygen therapy, says the OSUMC, via a portable or stationary oxygen source with tubing that fits in your nose.

References

• Harvard Health Publications: Oxygen Saturation Test
• The Ohio State University Medical Center: Your Oxygen Level