What is the minimal oxygen saturation required on room air or with supplemental oxygen?

The minimal oxygen saturation required on room air or with supplemental oxygen is 95%. This threshold is crucial for ensuring adequate oxygenation in patients undergoing procedures that involve moderate sedation. Maintaining an oxygen saturation of at least 95% helps prevent hypoxemia, which can lead to serious complications such as organ dysfunction and impaired recovery.

In clinical practice, monitoring oxygen saturation allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's respiratory status and intervene promptly if levels drop below this safe threshold. A level of 95% is considered a standard benchmark in many sedation protocols, reflecting a balance between safety and normal physiological function.

Levels below this, such as 90% or 92%, may indicate insufficient oxygenation and necessitate clinical intervention to ensure patient safety. Similarly, while 97% may be a desirable target, the critical cutoff aligns with the 95% threshold for clinical monitoring and safety protocols.