arterial oxygen content in volume per cent =
= (1.39 * (oxygen saturation of arterial blood) * (hemoglobin in g/dL)) + (0.0031 * PaO2)
where:
• Oxygen saturation is a fraction
• The oxygen carrying capacity of the blood is 1.39 mL of oxygen per gram of hemoglobin
• The amount of dissolved oxygen in the blood is 0.0031 mL of oxygen per deciliter per mm Hg pO2
mixed venous blood oxygen content in volume percent =
= (1.39 * (oxygen saturation of venous blood) * (hemoglobin in g/dL)) + (0.0031 * PvO2)
pulmonary end-capillary blood oxygen content in volume per cent=
= (1.39 * (oxygen saturation of capillary blood) * (hemoglobin in g/dL)) + (0.0031 * PAO2)
where:
• (oxygen saturation of pulmonary capillary blood) is assumed to be 1.00
difference in oxygen content between arterial and venous blood in volume percent =
= (arterial oxygen content) - (venous oxygen content) =
= ((1.39 * (oxygen saturation of arterial blood) * (hemoglobin in g/dL)) + (0.0031 * PaO2)) - ((1.39 * (oxygen saturation of venous blood) * (hemoglobin in g/dL)) + (0.0031 * PvO2))
Interpretation:
• normal arterial oxygen content: 18-21 mL oxygen per dL (vol%)
• normal mixed venous blood oxygen content: 14.5-15.5 mL oxygen per dL (vol%)
• normal capillary blood oxygen content: 21 mL oxygen per dL (vol%)
• normal difference in oxygen content between arterial and mixed venous blood: 3.5-5.5 mL oxygen per dL (vol%)
