Normal Oxygen Saturation Range for People

A pulse oximeter passes a beam of light through the tissues.

Oxygen saturation is a noninvasive way to measure how much oxygen is moving through the bloodstream. This test is performed by a health care professional or by a person at home.

Normal Level

According to the ninth edition of Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, the normal level of oxygen saturation is equal to or greater than 95 percent.

Uses

The oxygen saturation test is performed for many reasons, including to assess a person's response to medications and to ensure a person's current oxygen level is adequate. This test is also performed during stress testing and sleep studies.

The Test

Testing for an oxygen saturation level involves placing a pulse oximeter probe on a person's ear or fingertip and generally takes few seconds.

Considerations

People with certain lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may have a lower "normal" oxygen saturation level. The oxygen saturation goal, according to the American Thoracic Society, is to maintain an oxygen saturation level greater than 90 percent.

Warning

According to the ninth edition of Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, a possible critical oxygen saturation level is equal to or less than 75 percent.

References

• Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference: Ninth Edition; Kathleen Deska Pagana PhD RN & Timothy J. Pagana MD FACS; Oct. 17, 2008
• American Thoracic Society: Standards for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with COPD