9.6 Monitoring of oxygen therapy and physiological targets

Currently best evidence recommends:

• If SpO₂ greater than 96%, then wean oxygen to the lowest possible FiO₂ until able to remove.
• If SpO₂ greater than 93%, do not start oxygen therapy.
• All other acutely unwell patients requiring oxygen therapy the target SpO₂ should be greater than 90%.⁴
• In patients with a diagnosis of COPD the target SpO₂ should be 88-92%.