What are normal and low blood oxygen levels, and when is it a medical emergency in Europe?

Blood oxygen levels explained: oxygen saturation (SpO₂), pulse oximeter readings, hypoxaemia thresholds, and clinical assessment criteria.

In this episode, we outline how oxygen saturation is measured and how doctors interpret low readings under EU medical guidance.

You’ll learn:

• What SpO₂ measures (percentage of haemoglobin carrying oxygen)

• Typical normal ranges (usually 95–100% at sea level)

• When readings below 94% may require assessment

• How chronic lung conditions can alter baseline values

• The difference between silent hypoxia and symptomatic breathlessness

• Factors that affect pulse oximeter accuracy (cold fingers, nail polish)

• Red flag symptoms such as  ...