SpO₂
Pronunciation: S-P-O-two
Also written as: SpO₂ — peripheral oxygen saturation
The abbreviation for peripheral oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry, representing the percentage of haemoglobin saturated with oxygen at a peripheral site.
Full Definition
SpO₂ is the standard notation for the non-invasive pulse oximetry estimate of arterial oxygen saturation. The 'S' denotes saturation, 'p' denotes peripheral (non-invasive) measurement, and 'O₂' denotes oxygen. In dental anesthesiology monitoring charts and protocols, SpO₂ must appear with correct subscript and capitalisation formatting. Editors should ensure the abbreviation is not interchanged with SaO₂, which refers to saturation measured directly from arterial blood samples. Normal values in healthy adults at sea level range from 95% to 100%.
Usage
Usage note: The subscript '2' and the lowercase 'p' are integral to correct formatting. Do not write as 'SPO2', 'Spo2', or 'sp02' (with a zero). Distinguish clearly from SaO₂.
In Context
- "SpO₂ was maintained above 97% throughout the 45-minute sedation episode." — Anaesthetic record form
- "Table 1 records SpO₂, heart rate, and blood pressure at five-minute intervals during sedation." — Clinical monitoring chart