Final answer:
An oxygen saturation level below 90% is cause for concern, and below 85% is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Normal levels are typically between 95-100%, measured using a pulse oximeter.
Step-by-step explanation:
An oxygen saturation level below 90% is generally considered cause for concern, and levels below 85% are a definite medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention. Our blood's oxygen saturation level—often referred to as 'percent sat'—is a vital measurement for assessing our breathing and overall health. Normally, this value falls between 95-100%, which is measured using a pulse oximeter.
The pulse oximeter operates by sending two distinct wavelengths of light through the finger and measuring the absorption by hemoglobin, varying with its oxygen saturation. However, when the oxygen saturation level falls below 90%, hypoxemia—a state of low blood oxygen—is indicated. Severe hypoxia can cause damage to vital organs and is considered a medical emergency, particularly when levels drop below 85%, and may result in life-threatening situations. Immediate medical intervention is crucial in such cases to prevent complications like organ failure.