Understanding Oxygen Blood Oxygen Levels: Normal Range and How To Increase It?

Oxygen saturation is a critical indicator of your respiratory health. When blood oxygen levels are low, it can indicate that insufficient oxygen is reaching your organs and tissues, which may lead to various health problems. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the normal range of oxygen levels in your blood. So, read this guide to know how normal oxygen levels can be maintained and also discover tips on how to boost oxygen levels naturally in the blood.

What Does Blood Oxygen Level Mean?

Blood oxygen level, often measured as oxygen saturation or SpO2 (Peripheral Capillary Oxygen Saturation), indicates the amount of oxygen carried by red blood cells throughout your body. It represents the number of haemoglobin molecules in your bloodstream that are bound to oxygen. Haemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that binds to oxygen in your lungs and carries it to the rest of your body's tissues and organs.

This blood oxygen level indicates how well the body is oxygenated. Having adequate blood oxygen levels is essential for cellular energy production, influencing cognitive function, immune response, and metabolic processes in your body. When blood oxygen levels fall lower than usual, it is termed hypoxemia, caused by conditions like anaemia, sleep apnea, certain lung disorders and cardiovascular conditions. While high blood oxygen levels (hyperoxemia), are less common and are usually seen in patients receiving too much supplemental oxygen or with certain conditions like polycythemia (excessive red blood cells). This makes monitoring and maintaining a normal range of oxygen levels paramount for overall health and sustaining vital physiological processes in your body.

What is a Blood Oxygen Level Test?

A blood oxygen level test measures the amount of dissolved oxygen in your blood. It is commonly performed using a pulse oximeter or an arterial blood gas test (ABG test) that measures oxygen and CO2 levels directly from the blood. An ABG test is more informative than pulse oximetry.

Oxygen Level Blood Draw Test

The oxygen level blood draw test involves obtaining a blood sample to assess the oxygen content in the bloodstream. This test directly analyses blood gases.

A healthcare professional typically draws blood from an artery. The sample is then analysed to determine oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. This method is commonly used in critical care settings to evaluate patients with severe respiratory conditions or those undergoing specific medical procedures.

Pulse Oximetry

Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive medical technique used to measure the normal range of SpO2. This quick and painless method can monitor patient's oxygen levels in various clinical settings, including hospitals, outpatient care, and home environments.

A small device called a pulse oximeter is typically clipped onto a fingertip, toe, or earlobe, emitting light that passes through the skin and blood vessels. The device calculates oxygen saturation levels as a percentage by assessing the colour changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin, making it helpful in detecting early signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia.

Why Do I Need to Have My Blood Oxygen Level Tested?

Monitoring blood oxygen levels is essential for early detection of respiratory issues such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), asthma, or pneumonia. It is also vital for assessing the effectiveness of treatments for respiratory conditions and ensuring optimal oxygen supply to the body's tissues and organs. Therefore, this test is particularly important for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions, heart conditions, or those undergoing surgery, as they are at a higher risk of experiencing fluctuations in oxygen levels. Even during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak that caused a global pandemic, regular monitoring of blood oxygen levels was a critical step as a potential indicator of the COVID-19 disease, making regular blood oxygen level testing crucial for various health reasons.

Doctors can detect abnormalities early on by routinely testing blood oxygen levels, enabling prompt intervention and preventive measures. After all, it determines the efficiency with which your lungs are able to filter oxygen from the air into the blood when you breathe in and if CO2 is being adequately filtered out of the blood when you breathe out.

How Can I Increase My Blood Oxygen Level?

Here is how you can increase your blood oxygen level:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Engage in deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing or pursed lip breathing, to enhance lung capacity and oxygen exchange.
• Regular Physical Activity: Incorporate regular aerobic exercise into your routine. Activities like walking, jogging, or swimming can improve cardiovascular health, promoting efficient oxygen transport.
• Maintain Hydration: Staying hydrated is vital for optimal blood viscosity, facilitating smoother oxygen transport throughout the body.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensure sufficient and quality sleep to support overall health, including respiratory function and oxygenation.
• Avoid Smoking: Quit smoking and avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, as it can impair lung function and decrease oxygen levels.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Achieve and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the strain on the respiratory system and enhance oxygenation.
• Foods to Increase Oxygen Levels in the Body: While no specific foods directly increase oxygen levels, incorporating a diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can support overall respiratory health. Nutrient-dense foods like dark leafy greens, berries, citrus fruits, nuts, seeds, etc., contribute to overall well-being and may indirectly support respiratory function. Moreover, consuming iron-rich foods like lean meats, beans, and leafy greens supports haemoglobin production, enhancing oxygen-carrying capacity in your blood.

Who Performs a Blood Oxygen Level Test?

A blood oxygen level test is typically performed by healthcare professionals, including nurses, respiratory therapists, and physicians. These trained individuals have the expertise to use a pulse oximeter or blood test for measuring oxygen saturation.

However, patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those requiring at-home monitoring may be instructed on how to perform the test through guidance from the healthcare team. These healthcare professionals then interpret the test results to guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

What Happens Before a Blood Oxygen Level Test?

Before a blood oxygen level test, you are likely to have a brief preparation process. In a clinical setting, a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or respiratory therapist, will guide you through the procedure and explain the test's purpose, ensuring you understand its importance.

You might be asked to remove any nail polish or artificial nails, as these can interfere with accurate readings from the pulse oximeter. Before a blood test, it may be ensured that you have not been on supplemental oxygen for a specific duration, as this can impact the results. It is, therefore, essential to follow the instructions closely to obtain accurate and reliable results.

What Should I Expect During a Blood Oxygen Level Test?

Here is how it goes for:

Pulse Oximetry

When undergoing a blood oxygen level test with a pulse oximeter, you can expect a straightforward and non-invasive process.

A healthcare technician will attach the device to the selected site (often the fingertip) with its clip. The clip does not cause pain, and the device is designed to be minimally intrusive. The pulse oximeter emits two types of light, typically red and infrared, which pass through the skin and are absorbed by oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin in the blood. The device calculates oxygen saturation based on the absorption of light and the device continuously monitors your blood oxygen levels for a few seconds. During this time, it is necessary to remain still and avoid excessive movement or talking, as these factors can affect the accuracy of the readings.

Once the measurement is complete, the pulse oximeter displays your oxygen saturation level as a percentage. This provides a quick assessment of how well your blood is carrying oxygen. If your oxygen saturation falls within the normal range, it indicates effective oxygen delivery to your body. If the levels are lower than normal, further investigation may be needed to identify the underlying cause.

Blood test

For the blood test (Arterial Blood Gas test), you may be asked to lie still during the procedure.

Unlike routine blood tests that use venipuncture (drawing blood from a vein), an ABG test involves drawing a small sample of arterial blood. Arterial blood is collected as the amount of oxygen in arterial blood is higher compared to venous blood. A phlebotomist or nurse will locate an artery, commonly the radial artery in the wrist, and use a needle to collect the blood. It is also possible to extract it from an artery located in the groin area or on the inner side of the arm just above the elbow fold. This collected arterial blood is typically placed in a heparinised syringe to prevent blood clotting. After collecting a sufficient amount of blood for testing, the needle will be removed, and pressure with a cotton ball or gauze will be applied to the site to control bleeding followed by applying a bandage on the draw site. The sample is immediately labelled with your information and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

The blood sample then undergoes thorough analysis in the laboratory, assessing parameters such as pH, Partial Pressure of Oxygen (PaO2), Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (PaCO2), and Oxygen Saturation (SaO2). Once the analysis is complete, the results are sent to your doctor to interpret the findings in the context of your overall health. If the ABG test reveals any abnormalities, your doctor may recommend further tests or adjustments to your treatment plan. For individuals with respiratory conditions, such as COPD or asthma, the results can guide ventilator settings, oxygen therapy, or other interventions.

What Should I Expect After My Blood Oxygen Level Test?

There is a slight risk of bleeding or infection at the puncture site for the ABG test. However, any discomfort is typically brief. While after the pulse oximetry test, you can resume your normal activities.

What Do The Results of a Blood Oxygen Level Test Mean?

The test results mean the following:

In Pulse Oximetry

If you have an oxygen saturation of 95% and above, it means you have normal blood oxygen. However, any percentage lower than this can signify problems with oxygen loading and transport in the body. It is important to note that pulse oximetry has a margin of error of around 2-4%, therefore, not entirely accurate.

In Arterial Blood Gas Test

ABG test reports the pressure exerted by oxygen dissolved in arterial blood. This test is considered to provide a more accurate measure of blood oxygen levels than pulse oximetry. Moreover, you can also find out if CO2 is adequately filtered out of your blood (given by PaCO2) or if you have an oversaturation of oxygen (high PaO2).

What is a Normal Blood Oxygen Level?

The normal range of SpO2, typically falls between 95% to 100%. However, the ideal normal range of oxygen levels can vary slightly with age. For instance, in healthy individuals, the normal oxygen level for adults is generally considered to be 95% or higher across all age groups. Infants and young children may have slightly higher baseline levels, often around 98% to 100%.

If you suffer from certain respiratory diseases like COPD, Asthma, Pneumonia, etc, your normal range of oxygen levels may be slightly lower than normal (90-95%) and has to be determined by your doctor. Individual variations and factors like activity level, various medical conditions, and altitude can influence baseline levels. However, mild fluctuations within the normal range are common.

It is important to note that various laboratories may establish distinct reference ranges for the components measured in a blood oxygen level test. Upon receiving your blood test results, you will find details specifying the normal range of oxygen levels set by that particular lab for each measurement. If you have inquiries regarding your results, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for clarification.

What Does a Low Blood Oxygen Level Mean?

A low blood oxygen level indicates insufficient oxygen in your bloodstream to meet the body's needs adequately. Since the normal range for blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) typically falls between 95% and 100%, oxygen levels drop below 95% may signal a potential issue with respiratory function. However, what oxygen level is too low or what is a dangerously low oxygen level depends on the specific condition of the person.

Generally, a SpO2 level below 90% is considered way below normal and warrants medical attention. Levels between 92% and 88% are considered mild hypoxemia, 87% to 84% moderate hypoxemia, and below 84% severe hypoxemia. A dangerously low oxygen level is typically defined as SpO2 below 80%, which can pose severe health risks, including organ damage and life-threatening complications.

Immediate medical intervention is crucial for individuals with dangerously low oxygen levels to provide supplemental oxygen and initiate appropriate treatments to restore optimal oxygenation and prevent complications.

When Should I Know The Results of My Blood Oxygen Level Test?

You should typically receive immediate results after a blood oxygen level test with a pulse oximeter. For more comprehensive tests like Arterial Blood Gas (ABG), results may take a little longer, usually within a few hours to a day.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Call your doctor if you experience persistent symptoms of low oxygen levels, such as shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, or chest pain or your oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the pulse oximeter drops below 92%. Immediate medical attention is also crucial if symptoms worsen and SpO2 levels fall significantly (less than 90%). Additionally, if you have a pre-existing respiratory condition or chronic health issues and notice any changes in your symptoms or SpO2 levels, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What Are The Symptoms of Not Enough Oxygen in The Blood?

Symptoms of low oxygen levels in the blood (hypoxemia) include shortness of breath, rapid breathing, confusion, dizziness, chest pain, and a bluish tint to the skin or mucous membranes (cyanosis). In severe cases, it can lead to mental confusion, lethargy, and unconsciousness. If experiencing symptoms of low oxygen levels, seek prompt medical attention.

Conclusion

Understanding the significance of blood oxygen levels is pivotal for evaluating your respiratory health. While normal blood oxygen levels signal a SpO2 level of 95% and above, low oxygen levels, particularly below 90%, signal potential respiratory issues, necessitating prompt medical attention. Whether measured through pulse oximetry or arterial blood gas tests, interpreting results within the normal range is essential. Looking to undergo a blood oxygen test to measure your SpO2 accurately? Look no further! With state-of-the-art testing facilities alongside expert technicians, Metropolis Labs is the trusted choice by top hospitals and doctors in India. Book your blood oxygen test with Metropolis Labs today!