Partial Pressure of Oxygen (pO2)
- Sample Type
- Standard
- Fasting
- No
- Unit
- mmHg
The pO2 measures the pressure exerted by dissolved oxygen in the arterial blood. It is a direct indicator of how well the lungs are able to move oxygen from the atmosphere into the bloodstream. Within an ABG panel, it is essential for diagnosing hypoxemia, assessing the severity of respiratory failure (like COPD or ARDS), and monitoring the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen therapy.
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Enter your lab result to see where you stand compared to the standard reference range.
Why Context Matters
pO2 levels naturally decline with age and are affected by altitude. If a blood sample is contaminated with room air or if the patient is hyperventilating during the draw due to pain, the results will be inaccurately high.
Lab ranges are statistical averages, not biological laws. "Normal" for a 20-year-old male isn't normal for a 60-year-old female.
Clinical References
Source-of-truth databases and clinical guidelines for Partial Pressure of Oxygen (pO2):
Official Sources
- Clinical Practice Guideline of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome - PMCpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Research & Guidelines
Related Indicators
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Binoy Babu, MBBS
Board Certified Doctor • 10+ Years Clinical Experience
Dr. Babu is a practicing physician dedicated to empowering patients with clear, actionable medical information. He founded 2opi to bridge the gap between complex lab reports and patient understanding, ensuring everyone has access to a reliable second opinion.
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