BLOOD OXYGEN SATURATION

Oxygen
Saturation		 Observation Risk Suggested Action
98-100% Normal Oxygen
Level		 None No action needed
95-97% Insufficient
Oxygen Level		 Low; Tolerable, no
noticeable effect		 Consult doctor
92-94% Decreased Oxygen
Level		 Medium; May indicate
health condition		 Consult doctor;
intervention needed
88-92% Low Oxygen
Level		 Critical Referral to specialist;
Immediate medical attention
<88% Critical Oxygen
Level		 Danger: Severe
Hypoxia		 Immediate medical attention;
Hospitalization

Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) measures how much oxygen your blood is carrying.
A healthy person's blood is typically 95-100% saturated with oxygen.

  • What Do Low SpO2 Levels Mean? Below 92%: Could indicate hypoxemia (low blood oxygen levels), which may suggest respiratory and/or cardiovascular problems such as asthma, COPD, or pneumonia.
  • Below 88%: Severe hypoxemia; seek immediate medical attention. Prolonged low oxygen can impair brain and heart function.
  • During sleep: Temporary drops (below 90%) are common in individuals with sleep apnea but still require medical assessment if sustained.