Normal pulse and oxygen level for infant?
Pulse 120 to 150, SpO2 97% (SpO2= saturation derived from a
pulse oximeter, a 2 wavelength, red and infrared, non-invasive
probe). The heartrate will change as the infant ages, slowing down,
while the oxygen level should remain constant throughout adulthood.
An SpO2 of 97% is technically as high as it can go on room air, as
there is a normal 3% anatomical shunt. This can however be
increased if there is exposure to CoHb (Carbon Monoxide) which has
an affinity for the heme ring of the red blood cell 210-240 times
that of oxygen. Pulse oximetry has limitations and cannot
differentiate between oxyhemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin. That
requires photospectronomy.