US Medical Term · emergency
Oxygen Saturation
Saturación de oxígeno
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Oxygen Saturation |
| Spanish (Español) | Saturación de oxígeno |
| Chinese (中文) | 血氧飽和度 |
| Korean (한국어) | 산소 포화도 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Độ bão hòa oxy |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Saturasyon ng oxygen |
| Portuguese (Português) | Saturação de oxigênio |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | ความอิ่มตัวของออกซิเจน |
| Japanese (日本語) | 酸素飽和度 |
What it means
Oxygen saturation (SpO2) measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is carrying oxygen. It is typically measured with a small clip called a pulse oximeter placed on a finger. Normal oxygen saturation for healthy adults is 95 to 100 percent. A reading below 90 percent is considered dangerously low and is a medical emergency requiring supplemental oxygen or urgent breathing support. Conditions such as pneumonia, asthma, COPD, and COVID-19 can lower oxygen saturation. Hospital staff will increase your oxygen supply or escalate care quickly if your saturation drops below safe levels.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
What does my oxygen saturation level of 94 percent mean?
¿Qué significa que mi saturación de oxígeno sea del 94 por ciento?
Her oxygen saturation dropped suddenly; please come quickly.
Su saturación de oxígeno bajó de repente; por favor venga rápido.
This clip on my finger measures my oxygen saturation.
Esta pinza en mi dedo mide mi saturación de oxígeno.
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026