Pulse Oxygen Saturation Values in a Healthy School-Aged Population.

OBJECTIVES:The purpose of this study was to determine the normal values of oxygen saturation in a healthy school-aged pediatric population. METHODS:This study enrolled students in grades K-8 at an elementary and middle school in Los Angeles. Although all students were invited to participate, only pulse oximetry results among healthy students were included. Healthy students were defined as not having asthma, bronchitis, a recent cold or pneumonia within the past week, any chronic lung disease, or any heart condition. RESULTS:Two hundred forty-eight students participated in the study, and 246 students met the inclusion criteria. Pulse oxygen saturation values ranged from 97% to 100% with a mean of 98.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 98.6%-99.8%) and median of 99%. The distribution of measured pulse oximetry values were 97%: 16 (95% CI, 6.5%), 98%: 45 (95% CI, 18.3%), 99%: 184 (95% CI, 74.8%), and 100%: 1 (95% CI, 0.4%). CONCLUSIONS:Although the conventional wisdom is that pulse oximetry values 95% or greater are normal, these data suggest that the normal oxygen saturation range should be between 97% and 100%. Values of 95% and 96% should increase clinical suspicion of underlying disease.