Oxygen saturation (medicine)

The human body requires and regulates a very precise and specific balance of oxygen in the blood.

Normal arterial blood oxygen saturation levels in humans are 96–100 percent.

[2] Arterial blood oxygen levels below 80 percent may compromise organ function, such as the brain and heart, and should be promptly addressed.

Continued low oxygen levels may lead to respiratory or cardiac arrest.

[4] The body maintains a stable level of oxygen saturation for the most part by chemical processes of aerobic metabolism associated with breathing.

Using the respiratory system, red blood cells, specifically the hemoglobin, gather oxygen in the lungs and distribute it to the rest of the body.

[8] Healthy individuals at sea level usually exhibit oxygen saturation values between 96% and 99%, and should be above 94%.