Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation)

Normal range 95–100 % (0.95–1 fraction SI). Specimen: Arterial blood.

Also known as: oxygen saturation, arterial saturation.

95–100 %Critical: read below

Reference range

Conventional%

95100

SIfraction

0.951

Specimen	Arterial blood
Conventional range	95–100 %
SI range	0.95–1 fraction
Conversion factor	×0.01 (conventional → SI)
Critical value	< 90% (hypoxemia)
Panel	Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

Convert any SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation) result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation)?

The standard teaching reference range for SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation) is 95–100 % in conventional units, or 0.95–1 fraction in SI units. This value is measured in arterial blood.

A commonly taught critical (panic) value is < 90% (hypoxemia). Critical results are reported to the provider immediately under your facility's policy.

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population — always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

Common causes of a high SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation)

Supplemental oxygen

Below the range

Common causes of a low SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation)

Hypoxemia of any cause
Carbon monoxide poisoning (measured co-oximetry)

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

The percentage of hemoglobin bound to oxygen; targets are usually ≥ 92–95%.

Study aid

Your notes on SaO₂ (Arterial Oxygen Saturation)

Your notes

Same panel

More Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) tests

Arterial pH7.35–7.45 pH units Base Excess-2–2 mEq/L HCO₃⁻ (Arterial Bicarbonate)22–26 mEq/L PaCO₂ (Arterial CO₂)35–45 mm Hg PaO₂ (Arterial O₂)80–100 mm Hg