What does a SpO2 reading of 90% or below indicate?

A SpO2 reading of 90% or below indicates inadequate oxygenation in the bloodstream, which can lead to significant physiological repercussions. This level suggests that the body’s tissues may not be receiving sufficient oxygen, and it typically signals that intervention is necessary to restore normal oxygen levels.

In the context of emergency care, a reading at or below this threshold often necessitates aggressive oxygen therapy to correct the hypoxemia. Providing supplemental oxygen can help raise SpO2 levels back to a safer range, enhancing oxygen delivery to vital organs and preventing complications associated with low oxygen saturation.

Understanding normal SpO2 levels helps to interpret this reading effectively; healthy individuals generally maintain levels between 95% and 100%. Therefore, any reading below 90% warrants immediate attention to prevent potential deterioration of the patient’s condition.