Is Blood Oxygen Reading Of 96 Normal?

Posted on Tue, 14 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 Answered on

Fri, 7 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : is a blood oxygen reading of 96 in a healthy 37 year old male at sea level bad? Some anxiety at the time. Just wondering if we should be concerned that it was not higher.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You have absolutely normal values.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

There is nothing to be worried about.You have absolutely normal value.
Normal range of oxygen saturation in blood in healthy people is between 95% - 100%.
If the blood oxygen saturation level goes below 90 percent, then it may result in hypoxemia.
You have 96 % saturation,so it is a normal value.

Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Indu Kumar (27 minutes later)

Thank you so much. I have seen It as high as 99 before and was wondering what made it so different this time. Can different favors make it vary like this? I was kind of anxious about having to give blood after that.

Answered by Dr. Indu Kumar (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It may vary normally.

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX

Oxygen saturation level may vary normally.Both are normal values.
Below 90 % saturation is a matter of concern and patient need treatment.
You don't need any blood transfusion due to this variation.You are absolutely fine.

Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.

Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar