Skip to main content

Oxygen saturation

Oxygen saturation refers to the amount of oxygen being carried in the red blood cells, which load up with oxygen in the lungs and then transport it to the rest of the body. People who have medical conditions, such as lung disease, may not have enough oxygen in their red blood cells.

Oxygen saturation can be measured by a device called an oximeter. Low oxygen saturation is a sign that the lungs and heart are not working well.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.