Skip to content

Oxygen Saturation (SaO₂) via Device Manufacturer-Specific Method

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the percentage of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in your blood, often used in devices like pulse oximeters or specialized monitoring systems.

Quick summary

["Your blood’s oxygen levels can be checked quickly and safely with this test."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
65646-2
Short code
SaO2% Device Manufacturer name
Synonyms
SaO2% Device Manufacturer name
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What This Test Measures

Oxygen saturation (SaO₂) reflects how well your blood is carrying oxygen to your body’s tissues. It’s typically expressed as a percentage (e.g., 95% means 95% of your red blood cells are fully saturated with oxygen). This test may be performed using a device that analyzes blood drawn from a vein or, in some cases, from a fingerstick for pulse oximetry.

Why It’s Done

Doctors may order this test to assess lung function, detect conditions like anemia, heart disease, or respiratory disorders, or monitor oxygen levels during procedures or in critical care settings.

Common Uses and Conditions

Common reasons include evaluating symptoms like shortness of breath, monitoring chronic lung diseases, or checking oxygen levels before surgeries or procedures that require controlled breathing.

How the Test Works

Blood is collected via a vein (arterial blood gas) or, less commonly, from a fingerstick (pulse oximetry). The device measures the oxygen content bound to hemoglobin, providing a quick result.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Frequently asked questions

How low are my oxygen levels?
Oxygen saturation below 90% may indicate a need for further evaluation, such as lung issues, heart problems, or other health concerns. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
What causes abnormal oxygen levels?
Abnormal results can stem from conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), heart failure, anemia, or exposure to low oxygen environments. Smoking, infections, or even dehydration can also affect oxygen levels.
Will I need to prepare for this test?
No special preparation is usually needed. For arterial blood gas, you may be asked to stop smoking for a few hours beforehand, but this depends on your healthcare provider’s instructions.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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