hypoxemia

[ hahy-pok-see-mee-uh ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. inadequate oxygenation of the blood:

   A mild case of hypoxemia may be treatable with supplemental oxygen therapy alone.

Other Words From

• hy·pox·e·mic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypoxemia¹

First recorded in 1885–90; hyp- + ox(y)- ² + -emia

Example Sentences

A normal reading is between 95% and 100% and anything below that is hypoxemia, which can be fatal.

From Science Daily

“Right now, we are attempting to change pulse oximeter readings, which are known to cause false reports in dark-skinned individuals, often missing key hypoxemia that would impact medical management.”

From Washington Times

A patient must be found to have severe hypoxemia or an arterial oxygen saturation level below 93 percent, both of which would suggest the individual was severely starved of oxygen.

From Washington Post

Dr. Ian Wong, a Duke University researcher, confirmed elevated levels of hidden hypoxemia in Black and Hispanic patients.

From New York Times

One University of Michigan study found that the devices that squeeze the finger gave elevated readings in Black people when a blood test showed a lower rate, suggesting “hidden” hypoxemia, or significantly low blood oxygen.

From New York Times