What does O2 Sat measure in a medical setting?

O2 Sat, or oxygen saturation, measures the percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is saturated with oxygen. In a medical setting, this is a critical parameter as it provides insight into how effectively oxygen is being transported through the bloodstream to various tissues and organs.

Oxygen saturation levels are essential for assessing a patient's respiratory function and overall oxygen delivery to the body. Normal levels typically range from 95% to 100%, and readings below this range can indicate hypoxemia, which necessitates further evaluation or intervention.

Oxygen supply, storage, and stability, while related concepts in the context of oxygen therapy and management, do not specifically refer to the measurement taken by O2 Sat, reinforcing the clarity that this metric is specifically focused on how well oxygen is bound to hemoglobin in circulation.