From the Guidelines
The target oxygen saturation (SpO2) for a regular person on room air should be between 94-98%. This range is based on the most recent and highest quality study available, which suggests that a target saturation range of 94-98% is desirable for acutely ill patients not at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure 1. For a regular person, this range can be considered a general guideline to ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs for proper cellular function. It's worth noting that oxygen saturation can be influenced by various factors, including altitude, lung conditions, cardiovascular health, and certain medications. While brief dips below 95% may occur during sleep or with certain activities, persistent readings below this range warrant medical evaluation.
Some key points to consider when evaluating oxygen saturation include:
- Oxygen saturation below 90% is generally considered clinically significant hypoxemia that may require intervention 1
- A sudden reduction of ≥3% in a patient’s oxygen saturation within the target saturation range should prompt fuller assessment of the patient 1
- For patients with known chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other known risk factors for hypercapnic respiratory failure, a target saturation range of 88-92% is suggested pending the availability of blood gas results 1
- Oxygen saturation can be easily measured using a pulse oximeter, a non-invasive device that clips onto a finger, earlobe, or toe.
Overall, maintaining an oxygen saturation within the target range is crucial to prevent hypoxemia and ensure adequate oxygen delivery to tissues and organs.
From the Research
Target SpO2 Range for Regular Person on Room Air
The target oxygen saturation (SpO2) range for a regular person on room air is a topic of discussion among medical professionals.
- Studies have shown that the normal range of SpO2 for adults breathing room air is between 95% and 100% 2.
- The British Thoracic Society recommends a target SpO2 range of 94-98% for most adult patients 2.
- However, other studies suggest that a target SpO2 range of 92-96% may be more appropriate for adults without chronic respiratory failure 3, 4.
- A study published in 2024 found that changing the target SpO2 range from 94-98% to 92-96% did not significantly increase the risk of hypoxaemia or elevated NEWS2 scores 4.
- Another study found that SpO2 values less than 97% are rare in asymptomatic, awake adults, and that white race and male sex are associated with lower SpO2 readings 5.
- It's also worth noting that the optimal target SpO2 range may vary depending on individual characteristics, such as age, sex, and medical history 6, 5.
Factors Affecting SpO2 Readings
Several factors can affect SpO2 readings, including:
- Age: Older adults may have lower SpO2 readings due to decreased lung function 5.
- Sex: Male sex is associated with lower SpO2 readings 5.
- Race: White race is associated with lower SpO2 readings 5.
- Smoking: Smoking is not associated with lower SpO2 readings 5.
- Medical history: Certain medical conditions, such as asthma, may affect SpO2 readings 5.