What does SaO2 represent?

SaO2 represents Oxygen Saturation, which is a crucial measurement in medicine that indicates the percentage of hemoglobin binding sites in the bloodstream occupied by oxygen. Specifically, it refers to the saturation of arterial blood with oxygen and is typically expressed as a percentage.

In clinical practice, monitoring SaO2 is vital for assessing a patient’s respiratory function and oxygenation level. Normal SaO2 levels generally range from 95% to 100%, and values significantly below this range could indicate hypoxemia or inadequate oxygenation. This measurement is often obtained through pulse oximetry, a non-invasive method that provides real-time monitoring of a patient's oxygen saturation.

Understanding SaO2 helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions regarding oxygen therapy and other interventions needed to manage patients effectively.