Erythrocyte Arterial Oxygen Saturation (via Compressed Probe Measurement)
This test measures the oxygen saturation of red blood cells in arterial blood, reflecting how well oxygen is being delivered to your body’s tissues.
["Assesses oxygen efficiency in your bloodstream, often used in specialized clinical contexts like critical care or research."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104647-3
- Short code
- Erythrocyte #/area Ur Comp Assist
- Synonyms
- Erythrocyte #/area Ur Comp Assist
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- computer-assisted
- CPT
- 85041
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Erythrocyte oxygen saturation evaluates the proportion of hemoglobin in red blood cells that is bound to oxygen. While traditional arterial blood gas tests measure this in whole blood, this specific probe-based method focuses on cells themselves. This can be particularly useful in studies of microcirculation or specialized diagnostic scenarios.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may request this test if they suspect conditions affecting microvascular oxygen delivery, such as severe anemia, certain vascular diseases, or research into blood cell function. It may also be used in specialized settings like neonatal care or during advanced imaging studies.
Common Clinical Uses
This test is less commonly performed than standard arterial blood gas tests but may be used in research settings, specialized diagnostic procedures, or when assessing blood cell oxygen transport in unique clinical situations.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically required, though standard blood draw procedures apply. You may experience mild discomfort at the puncture site, and you’ll likely be asked to fast for 8–12 hours if this is part of a fasting blood panel.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Frequently asked questions
Why would my doctor order this test?
What does a low or high erythrocyte oxygen saturation mean?
Can this test replace standard blood tests like arterial blood gases?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy