SaO2
Medical abbreviation · Respiratory
| Stands for | Arterial oxygen saturation |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
SaO2 stands for Arterial oxygen saturation, a respiratory abbreviation.
Percentage of hemoglobin in arterial blood carrying oxygen, measured directly by co-oximetry on an arterial blood gas sample. Normal values are about 95 to 100 percent.
Example: SpO2 reads 97% but co-oximetry SaO2 is 72% with carboxyhemoglobin 24%: carbon monoxide poisoning.
Usage notes
SaO2 is the measured reference that pulse oximetry (SpO2) estimates. Pulse oximeters can overestimate saturation, particularly in people with darker skin, as a 2020 study highlighted, prompting FDA review of device standards. Carbon monoxide poisoning and methemoglobinemia also mislead standard pulse oximeters, so co-oximetry is needed.
Related abbreviations
More respiratory abbreviations
- RML – Right middle lobe
- RSBI – Rapid shallow breathing index
- RUL – Right upper lobe
- RV – Residual volume
- SABA – Short-acting beta2-agonist
- SAMA – Short-acting muscarinic antagonist
- SBT – Spontaneous breathing trial
- SDB – Sleep-disordered breathing
- SIMV – Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation
- SOBOE – Shortness of breath on exertion
- SPN – Solitary pulmonary nodule
- TLC – Total lung capacity
See all 109 respiratory abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.