Oxygen saturation levels are the amount of dissolved oxygen that is being carried though the bloodstream. There are several ways to measure how much oxygen the blood is carrying. Using a non-invasive pulse oximetry device is the quickest and easiest way. Drawing an arterial blood sample for testing is the most accurate way. But, why are these levels influential and when would they need to be measured?
Why We Need to Know
many different illnesses put people at risk for not having enough circulation oxygen in the bloodstream. A person experiencing respiratory difficulty may not be exchanging air properly. This could cause them to retain carbon dioxide or fail to take in sufficient oxygen. Being able to check their saturation levels quickly lets the physician know how their body is handling the illness.
Anaemia is when the body has insufficient red blood cells. It is these red blood cells that carry the oxygen through the blood. Thus, people who are anaemic are also at risk for not having sufficient oxygen in the bloodstream. Mechanical problems such as failing to breathe deeply due to pain or being overly sedated can all restrict the amount of oxygen the body has in circulation. Being able to measure these saturation levels helps physicians treat these illnesses effectively.
How we test
the easiest way to test is using the pulse oximetry. This method uses light waves to measure the saturation levels. It is non-invasive and pain free. Pulse oxygenation can be measured on the finger, toe nail beds or the ear lobes. It can be measured in seconds and will change rapidly as the levels change.
Drawing blood and having it analyzed is more accurate, and can tell the physician a number of other things too. However, this method is extremely painful and takes longer. Usually it takes ten to fifteen minutes to have the blood analyzed. Blood is drawn from the femoral or radial artery. This test can also provide information such as PH balance.
What is normal
most people run 97% to 100% oxygenation. Doctors become concerned if it drops and stays below 90%. The most valuable thing to do is identify and correct the cause. The first thing most physicians try is using oxygen by the nose or mask. If anaemia is the culprit, the physician will order a blood transfusion.
The key to rectifying the situation is treating the cause. Whether the patient needs blood, oxygen or pain control the cause must be identified and resolved quickly. If the case is prolonged, or severe enough brain damage will occur. Oxygen saturation levels are extremely serious and tell medical personnel a lot about how the body is functioning.
Mithul Mistry is writing on behalf of Health Oxygen, a specialist in Oxygen Saturation Monitoring.
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