Pulse Oximetry

• Normal oxygen saturation values are
• 97% to 99% in a healthy individual on room air.
• An oxygen saturation value of 95% is clinically accepted in a patient with a normal hemoglobin level.
• Using the – oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, an oxygen saturation value of 90% is generally equated with a PaO2 of 60 mm Hg.

• Tissue oxygenation is not reflected by arterial or oxygen saturation obtained by pulse oximetry.
• The affinity of hemoglobin to oxygen may impair or enhance oxygen release at the tissue level.