Normal oxygen saturation values in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVES To determine normal oxygen saturation (OSAT) values in infants and children measured by pulse oximetry METHODS Infants and children admitted to a children's hospital for elective surgery from 11/20/2000 to 3/30/2002 underwent surgical clearance screens consisting of illness symptoms, vital signs and OSAT in room air Based on the presence of respiratory infection (RI) symptoms, a "normal" patient was defined as one without respiratory symptoms and who was not scheduled for surgery involving the airway pulmonary or cardiovascular systems (APC). RESULTS Of the 3600 forms collected, 2069 were completely filled out and for elective surgery. For all age groups combined, the percent of patients undergoing APC surgery or with RI symptoms for each OSAT were as follows (OSAT: %patients APC/RI): 100%: 13%, 99%-99.5%: 15%, 98%-98.5%: 14%, 97%-97.5%: 18%, 96%-96.5%: 38%, 95%-95.5%: 29%, and <95%: 0%. CONCLUSIONS Although OSAT of 95% and 96% are adequate (i.e., not requiring acute oxygen therapy), these values are associated with higher rates of APC/RI involvement and thus should be considered potentially abnormal. OSAT of 97% is on the border of normal. Normal OSATs can occur with APC/RI conditions, but an OSAT less than 97% is associated with a higher risk of an APC/RI condition.