Oxygenated hemoglobin concentration (arterial blood)
This test measures the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in your blood drawn from an artery. It helps assess how well oxygen is being delivered to your tissues.
["Helps evaluate oxygenation and potential blood flow issues in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19965-3
- Short code
- OxyHgb p Tx % BldA
- Synonyms
- OxyHgb p Tx % BldA
- Category
- hematology
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 12
- Ref high
- 17.5
- Critical range
- 7 N/A – 20 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85018
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003004
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, or signs of poor circulation. It can also be used during surgeries, critical care, or to monitor conditions affecting oxygen transport, such as anemia or lung diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll have a small cut made on an artery (usually in your arm or wrist) to draw a blood sample. A nurse will apply pressure afterward to stop bleeding. The test is quick but may cause slight discomfort.
What the Results Mean
Results show the percentage or concentration of oxygen-bound hemoglobin. Lower than expected levels may indicate problems like low oxygen in the blood, while higher levels could suggest conditions like polycythemia (too many red blood cells).
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to monitor patients with heart or lung conditions, severe anemia, or those undergoing procedures requiring precise oxygen measurements.
Reference range
Adult males: 13.5-17.5 g/dL; Females: 12.0-16.0 g/dLN/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Oxygenated hemoglobin levels help diagnose or manage disorders affecting oxygen delivery, such as hypoxia (low oxygen), arterial blood disorders, or postoperative monitoring in high-risk patients. Abnormal results may prompt further testing for conditions like carbon monoxide poisoning or vascular diseases.
Short name
O₂-Hb (Arterial)
Frequently asked questions
What does an abnormal oxygenated hemoglobin level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy