At what SPO2 level should you be concerned that a patient may need oxygen?

A concern for a patient's oxygen saturation typically arises when levels fall below 94%. Maintaining an SPO2 level of 95% or higher is generally considered ideal for healthy individuals. When the SPO2 level drops to around 94%, it may indicate that the patient is not adequately oxygenated and could benefit from supplemental oxygen.

At levels of 90% or 92%, many healthcare providers would indeed start to be concerned as they approach thresholds of hypoxemia, but the 94% mark serves as a clearer threshold for indicating a potential need for intervention. Continuous monitoring and assessment of clinical signs are essential, but initiating oxygen therapy or further evaluation at 94% is generally accepted practice in medical settings to prevent potential complications from low oxygen levels.