Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) Practice Exam 2025 - Free Biomedical Equipment Technician Practice Questions and Study Guide

The normal oxygen saturation of arterial blood at sea level is approximately 97%. This value reflects the efficiency of the lungs in oxygenating the blood in the alveolar capillaries, where oxygen from inhaled air diffuses into the blood. At sea level, with atmospheric pressure being approximately 760 mmHg, the partial pressure of oxygen is sufficiently high to allow for optimal oxygen binding to hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Typically, healthy individuals at sea level will have O2 saturations ranging from 95% to 100%. However, 97% is considered the standard value that represents typical physiological functioning in a healthy adult. Factors such as altitude, respiratory conditions, or cardiovascular issues can influence the O2 saturation levels, resulting in readings below or above this norm. Thus, understanding this value is crucial for assessing respiratory function and overall health in patients during biomedical evaluations.