Hapnikuküllastus

Hapnikuküllastus, also known as oxygen saturation, refers to the percentage of hemoglobin molecules in the blood that are carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues.

A normal hapnikuküllastus level in healthy individuals is typically between 95% and 100%. This means that 95% to 100% of the oxygen-carrying sites on hemoglobin are occupied by oxygen. Lower levels can indicate a problem with oxygen delivery to the body.

Several factors can influence hapnikuküllastus. Lung diseases such as pneumonia, COPD, and asthma can impair the lungs' ability to transfer oxygen into the bloodstream. Conditions affecting circulation, like heart failure or blood clots, can also lead to reduced oxygen saturation. Anemia, a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can also result in lower oxygen saturation because there are fewer carriers available.

Hapnikuküllastus is commonly measured using a pulse oximeter, a small device that clips onto a finger or earlobe. It works by shining light through the tissue and measuring the absorption of different wavelengths of light by oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin.

Monitoring hapnikuküllastus is important in clinical settings for assessing respiratory and circulatory function. Significantly low levels, known as hypoxia, can be a sign of a medical emergency and require prompt medical attention.