Terms of Use. As is generally known, a healthy body requires a balance of oxygen, and organ damage is possible if the oxygen saturation level falls too low. Basically, pulse oximetry is a painless, noninvasive method of measuring the saturation of oxygen in a persons blood. It is important to note that the oxygen saturation level varies considerably It is very important to find out the cause of low oxygen saturation so the problem can be fixed. 2015;4:561. The normal oxygen-carrying capacity (OCC) of one gram of hemoglobin is 1.34 ml. Values under 60 mm Hg usually indicate the need for supplemental oxygen. Also, blood drawn from arteries is oxygenated. A physician can provide details on appropriate oxygen saturation levels for specific medical conditions. Normal oxygen saturation ranges from 97-100% (OER #1) in a healthy individual. The doctors say that when they measure saturation, they need to look at it on all fingers. Doctors consider a reading of 91-94% as borderline. This test is usually performed by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. Tachypnea: What Is Rapid, Shallow Breathing? The rate of decrease in saturation depends on the severity of the disease. Over time, COPD can lead to hypoxia, a condition marked by low oxygen levels. Normally, a PaO 2 reading below 80 mm Hg or a pulse ox below 95 percent is considered low. 2020 Sep;129(4):656-663. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00818.2019, Caboot J, Allen J. Hypoxemia in sickle cell disease: Significance and management. Belt devices have slightly lower accuracy than stationary devices. For example, someone older than 70 years of age may have an oxygen saturation level of about 95%, which is an acceptable level. For people with lung diseases, a doctor should determine the optimal levels. 2021 Copyright SelfHealthPharmacist.com. COVID-19 can damage your lungs and affect your breathing. There are millions of these microscopic air sacs in the lungs. Normal oxygen saturation by age Human beings depend on oxygen for life. As oxygen molecules pass through the alveoli, they bind to a substance in the blood called hemoglobin. Talk to your doctor before using a home device so you understand how to interpret the results. Normal oxygen saturation for a preterm infant is roughly 84 to 90 percent. Pulse oximeters measure the oxygen saturation, or percentage of oxygen in the patient's blood. Let's learn more about Normal Oxygen Saturation By Age in this article. In extreme cases, low oxygen levels can result in hypoxemia or hypoxia. This measurement is known as the Sp02 - the saturation of peripheral oxygen - and it is an estimate of the Sa02 - the saturations of arterial oxygen. Springerplus. An Overview of Shortness of Breath in COPD, Clubbed Fingers as a Symptom of Cystic Fibrosis, What Hemoglobin Does and Why It Is Important. Below 67%: Cyanosis develops when the SpO2 level drops below 67%. WellueO2 ring is considered to bepulse oximeter and sleep overnighttrack has what always gives accurate tracking of all indicators. How to increase your oxygen levels A normal blood oxygen level by age is generally considered to be between 95% and 100%. David Jones Former SEO Executive at Freelancer (2010-present) (2004-2014) Author has 218 answers and 1.3M answer views 2 y Dave C, et al. What Is the Spo2 Normal Range By Age Chart? In such situations, complex diagnostics are always prescribed. Keep reading to learn where your blood oxygen level should be, what symptoms you may experience if your level is off, and what happens next. 95%-100%: Normal oxygen levels in a pulse oximeter usually range from 95%-100%. Although it does have a margin of error, a pulse ox reading is usually accurate enough. There are several ways to increase your blood oxygen levels naturally. Blood oxygen levels can be checked by withdrawing blood from an artery in the wrist, elbow, or groin. Oxygen saturation monitoring may be recommended for individuals with underlying medical conditions or who are at risk of low oxygen levels. Your doctor can provide recommendations as to what ranges of oxygen levels are acceptable for you. Children's Health. 2015;11(3):194201. Should You Check Your Blood Pressure at Home? If the level is below 90 percent, it is considered low and called hypoxemia. Patients on oxygen therapy may have a saturation level of 100%. For them to be effective, the exercises must be performed under the supervision of an instructor. No, it is an extremely dangerous level of oxygen saturation in the blood, and may indicate a serious health disorder. for example, from cold or the persons mobility; Fungus of the nail plate; tattoos on the fingers. Outside of general practice, pulse oximetry is most frequently used to monitor patients with lung and heart disorders, who are at risk of low levels of blood oxygen. When the capacity of the lungs to transport oxygen into the blood is impaired, blood oxygen saturation declines, potentially putting our organs in danger. For them to be effective, the exercises must be performed under the supervision of an instructor. Minnesota Department of Health. It is inhaled into the lungs and then absorbed into the bloodstream, where it is carried to the rest of the body by red blood cells. However, hypoxemia occurs if they fall below 90%. If you have poor circulation, its important to exercise and move. While a "normal" reading for a healthy person is typically between 100% and 95%, a person with COPD may . Pulmonary diseases also may lower the SpO2: COPD patients for example have 88-92% as target saturation. If you continue to have low blood oxygen levels, you may show symptoms of cyanosis. A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition of blocked arteries in the lungs. McKenna H, Murray A, Martin D. Human adaptation to hypoxia in critical illness. Hey there! The normal resting heart rate (when not exercising) for people age 15 and up is 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) between 95 to 100 percent are considered normal for both adults and children (below 95% is considered abnormal). Instead, the test uses a sensor to read wavelengths reflected from the blood. They exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide molecules to-and-from the bloodstream. Oxygen is an essential nutrient that your body needs to function properly. A normal oxygen saturation level is 97-100% but older adults typically have lower levels than younger adults. , and it is dangerous to lose sight of critical changes. \n"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Elderly normal oxygen saturation by age? Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Your blood oxygen level can be measured with two different tests: An arterial blood gas (ABG) test is a blood test. Hafen BB, Sharma S. Oxygen Saturation. This is because your body is using more oxygen to fuel these physiological changes. 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew, Normal oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) are between, Low levels of oxygen in the bodys tissues are called, Changes in skin color, ranging from blue to cherry red, Pulmonary fibrosis (scarred and damaged lungs), Oxygen is usually administered via a nasal cannula or a mask that covers the nose and mouth. Pain: Pain is generally assessed . Things like dark nail polish or cold extremities can cause the pulse ox to read lower than normal. Blood in your veins isnt. Small, portable devices, most often in the, The smallest, matchbox-sized, fingertip pulse oximeters like, The most obvious of these is to let the patient breathe in an. Normal oxygen saturation for healthy adults is usually between 95% and 100%. How Are Low Oxygen Saturation Levels Diagnosed? Thus, persistently low readings should be discussed with a doctor.. Learn How to Use Overnight Pulse Oximetry to Test Sleep Oxygen Levels. It can be caused by: If your O2 saturation level is low, you need to call your provider. What Happens When Your Blood Isn't Carrying Enough Oxygen? (2020, June 30). Oxygen Saturation, Pulse Oximeters, and COVID-19. How are blood oxygen levels checked using the ABG test? The most obvious of these is to let the patient breathe in an oxygen mixture. All rights reserved. If you smoke and need to know your blood oxygen level, an ABG may be the only way to receive an accurate reading. Its always a good idea to consult with a healthcare. Examples of conditions that can affect your oxygen saturation include: Oxygen saturation is measured in one of two ways: an arterial blood gas test (ABG or Sa02) or pulse oximetry (Sp02). Unlike the ABG test, pulse oximetry does not involve a needle (non-invasive). If blood oxygen saturation levels fall to 88% or lower, seek immediate medical attention, says Dr. Lutchmansingh. This can lead to a decrease in oxygen levels in your blood, a condition known as hypoxemia. A normal ABG oxygen level for healthy lungs falls between 80 and 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). Clinical Procedures for Safer Patient Care; Chapter 5: Oxygen Therapy. Hypoxemia is often cause for concern. 'Concerning' Blood Oxygen Levels Oxygen concentrations between 91% and 95% may indicate a medical problem. The period was shortened from 3.0 to 3.8 s to 1.4 to 1.5 s after exercise, and the amount of current change for each cycle was far beyond the noise level of our sensor, ensuring a precise measurement. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Retrieved from, What is a Normal Oxygen Level? Low blood oxygen level is therefore concerning for impending respiratory failure. My says are 95/76 im 65 years old is this normal for a man of my age please. Selfhealthpharmacist.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Comparison of SpO2 values from different fingers of the hands. In some people, the right thumb may also work well. During sleep, an elderly persons saturation (the. Dr. Hesham Hassaballa answered Pulmonary Critical Care 24 years experience Not necessarily: As we age, it may get a little harder for the oxygen to get into the blood through your lungs. In general practice, they are frequently used to quickly assess someone's general health, for instance, during a routine physical examination. Johns Hopkins Medicine. This preview shows page 11 - 12 out of 27 pages. Normal values of oxygen saturation have been reported widely (5, 6) and at sea level (101 kPa/760 mmHg) oxygen saturation is within the normal range when reading between 94-100%. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Normal blood oxygen levels range from 95% to 100%, and anything below 90% is considered low. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This is often done with supplemental oxygen. For example, someone older than 70 years of age may have an oxygen saturation level of about 95%, which is an acceptable level. However, if you have pneumonia or another active infection or medical issue, your doctor may direct you to go to the emergency room if it is 92% or lower. Once a child reaches the age of 2, the . Severe hypoxemia can become dangerous. Exp Trans Stroke Med. 3), increasing from 80.7 4.3 in 7yearolds to 87.5 6.9 in 18yearolds for SaO 2. 2014 Mar;15(1)17-23. doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2013.12.004, Ferdinand P, Roffe C. Hypoxia after stroke: a review of experimental and clinical evidence. This includes asthma, heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pulse oximetry: Oxygen saturation (SaO2 or SpO2): 95-99%. It can also increase the risk of infections and other complications. Learn about causes, treatment, and. In both adults and children, the normal oxygen saturation by age ranges from 95% to 100%; if it is between 80% and 85%, it is abnormal. Yale Medicine. The results of the restrictive analysis and detailed results according to age and sex are shown in Table 2. An O2 sat level below 95% is not normal. Your health insurance may cover the expense. Oxygen saturation is the measure of how much oxygen is traveling through your body in your red blood cells. It is often possible to observe a decrease in saturation by 1-2% per day. Both adults and toddlers should have oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) that fall between 95 and 100 percent in a healthy range. The 7 Best Pulse Oximeters for At-Home Use. If these signs are observed, they need to call a doctor. It does so by sending infrared light into capillaries in your finger, toe, or earlobe. For someone who's healthy, the normal blood oxygen saturation level will be around 95-100%. Normal arterial blood oxygen saturation levels in humans are 97-100 percent. Learn about treatment and more. We are still learning about how COVID affects the lungs. If an individual is older than 70, a normal oxygen level for elderly adults may be about 95%, which is acceptable. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"During sleep, an elderly person’s saturation (the level of oxygen saturation in the blood) drops till 92/93 %.\nSaturations below 92% are generally considered critical. Hypoxemia is often cause for concern. Read our. But this method will only work if there is a problem with the respiratory system. This device will help in time to identify the occurrence of inflammatory processes, pathologies, changes in the functioning of the respiratory system and provide timely qualified assistance in treatment and care. Oxygen levels above 90% are normal when you're asleep. Its important to follow your doctors specific advice on how home oxygen should be used to avoid complications. Unlike veins, arteries have a pulse that can be felt. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Can breathing exercises help improve blood oxygen levels? Older adults typically have lower oxygen saturation levels than younger adults. Oxygen Saturation: Normal oxygen saturation levels typically range between 95-100%. 98%, an oxygen partial pressure of approx. Regular exercise can help improve your lung function, which can lead to increased oxygen levels in your blood. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'selfhealthpharmacist_com-large-billboard-2','ezslot_8',617,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-selfhealthpharmacist_com-large-billboard-2-0');report this adSelfhealthpharmacist.com is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Most oximeters work best when used on the middle finger. If you have ever had a physical or visited a doctor for a medical procedure, youve had your blood oxygen saturation measured by a pulse oximeter. Individuals often require accessory muscles to breathe, and breath sounds can be diminished. However, in COPD or other lung diseases, these ranges may not apply. Normal pulse oximeter readings usually range from 95 to 100 percent. Note: Normal levels may vary if you have lung disorders. 95%-100%: Normal oxygen levels in a pulse oximeter usually range from 95%-100%. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Oxygen saturations less than 92% are associated with major adverse events in outpatients with pneumonia: a population-based cohort study. For example, someone older than 70 years of age may have an oxygen saturation level of about 95%, which is an acceptable level. Oxygen saturation is a crucial measure of how well the lungs are working. If hypoxia lasts longer, it can lead to coma, seizures, and brain death. A pulse oximeter can quickly detect this drop in oxygen saturation, alerting people of the need for medical intervention. University of Iowa Health Care. In the worst cases, low oxygen levels can lead to hypoxia or hypoxemia. What Are Symptoms of Low Oxygen Saturation Levels? It is often possible to observe a decrease in saturation by 1-2% per day.\n"}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Is 77 normal Oxygen level? Your healthcare provider will let you know what levels are acceptable. If someone's oxygen saturation is dangerously low, they will need oxygen therapysometimes urgently. Normal range oxygen saturation is between 95% and 100%. Normal blood saturation level for adults Adults require high oxygen levels the same as children, so around 95 to 100 percent. Majumdar SR, Eurich DT, Gamble JM, Senthilselvan A, Marrie TJ. A pulse ox cant tell the difference between this other type of gas and oxygen. Peripheral Blood Oxygen Saturation According to Age and Sex Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. When you are stressed or anxious, your bodys breathing and heart rate may increase, which can lead to a decrease in blood oxygen levels. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Each one of your blood cells contains around 270 million molecules of hemoglobin. You can also buy a pulse oximetry device at your local pharmacy or online. A decrease in these values indicates the presence of pathology and the need for oxygen therapy. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this article, you can help ensure that your body is getting the oxygen it needs to function properly. ABG is usually only done in a hospital, while pulse oximetry can be done in other healthcare settings (like a provider's office) and even at home. Pulse oximeter accuracy and limitations: FDA safety communication. Hypoxemia. Should you really have a pulse oximeter at home? Can low blood oxygen levels be a sign of a more serious health problem? You can also take a few steps right away to try to increase your blood oxygen levels: Low oxygen saturation in the blood can mean there's less oxygen in the body's tissues, including the organs and muscles. The saturation must have a normal result of 93-95%. Below normal: A below-normal blood oxygen level is called hypoxemia. Wrist pulse oximeters are handy when youre outdoors. In fact, pulse oximeters have become so widespread that blood oxygen saturation is often referred to as the fifth vital sign, a piece of data collected alongside four other measurementstemperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiration rateto gain insight into a persons health status. An. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. In clinical settings, they are routinely used in the following situations: When pulse oximeters are used at home, it has usually been by people with known lung conditions, who may regularly monitor their blood oxygen saturation levels with guidance from their doctors. Rapid, shallow breathing, also called tachypnea, is when you take more breaths than usual in a given minute. Even then, the less-invasive pulse oximetry method is often as useful as an invasive ABG. But what, exactly, is it? In circulatory conditions like heart disease, inadequate blood flow reduces oxygen delivery. An ABG value refers to the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in blood running through your veins. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No, it is an extremely dangerous level of oxygen saturation in the blood, and may indicate a serious health disorder. 3 If you have a chronic health condition that affects your lungs, blood, or circulation, regularly tracking your oxygen saturation is important. It is important to monitor your blood oxygen levels regularly and take steps to maintain healthy levels. in the blood is an indicator that requires periodic monitoring in all elderly people. has decreased. If a person's levels drop below this range, they may experience symptoms associated with a lack of oxygen, such as trouble. J Appl Physiol. People over 70 years of age may have oxygen levels closer to 95%. Learn about symptoms and treatment. 2013 Dec;44(4):236-242. That means the reading may be as much as 2 percent higher or lower than your actual blood oxygen level. Few studies have been conducted in cities of moderate altitude (between 2,500 and 3,000 m a.s.l). What Causes Low Oxygen Saturation Levels? Choose The Best Pulse Oximeter for Seniors. As the name implies, they are belt-mounted and allow the patient to move around the hospital without interrupting saturation measurements. Here are two useful breathing exercises you can try: Taking a walk outside, allowing fresh air into your house, or adding houseplants can also help increase your oxygen levels. Pulse oximetry may be slightly less accurate than ABG but is easier to perform than ABG tests when results are needed quickly. As your oxygen levels fall, you may begin experiencing symptoms of hypoxemia. The normal oxygen rate should be between 95%-100% in both children and adults. If your breathing is unassisted, its difficult for your oxygen levels to be too high. If a pulse ox measured your blood oxygen level (SpO2), a normal reading is typically. For example, a person over the age of 70 may have an oxygen saturation level of about 95%, which is an acceptable level. Oxygen levels affect the severity of symptoms associated with obstructive sleep apnea. If your normal oxygen saturation is above 94% while you are awake, your oxygen level is unlikely to fall below 88% while you sleep, but if your doctor is concerned, they may order an overnight pulse oximetry test to be sure. By contrast, if oxygen administration was titrated against patient need, aiming to achieve a normal oxygen saturation target range, . Something as simple as opening your windows or going for a short walk increases the amount of oxygen that your body brings in . What is a Normal oxygen saturation by age while sleeping? The lower the oxygen level, the more severe the hypoxemia. Warning signs of a low oxygen level include trouble breathing, confusion, difficulty waking up, and bluish If your blood oxygen level is too low, you may need to boost your oxygen saturation. For example, clinicians must use their judgment to determine whether a low oxygen saturation is a sign of severity or is normal for a given patient with chronic lung disease. Your organs and tissues need oxygen to work. People over 70 years of age may have oxygen levels closer to 95%. This test may be slightly less accurate, but its very easy for doctors to perform. Tests used to check oxygen levels include: Low oxygen saturation levels (hypoxia and/or hypoxemia) are a medical emergency and treatment involves administration of oxygen in a hospital. Pulse oximetry can be less accurate for people who have dark skin pigmentation. We avoid using tertiary references. Any respiratory failure leads to a decrease in saturation, so the, At this age if the saturation is below 90%, we are dealing with hypoxia of the body, which indicates a severe. Methods 266 well children living at 1810-2630 m above sea level were examined during immunisation clinic visits, and SpO2 was measured by pulse oximetry . Blood oxygen levels can also be measured using an instrument known as a pulse oximeter. Yes, sleep apnea can cause low blood oxygen levels. A disruption in oxygen metabolism can cause saturation levels to drop below 95 percent, at which point a physician might order intervention. Please reach out to us if you need anything oxygen related. No. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. For medical purposes, a normal blood oxygen saturation rate is often considered between 95% and 100%. In this situation, a, Without additional examination it is impossible to understand why the. The average SpO 2 in healthy subjects is 98%. Paediatr Respir Rev. Should you really have a pulse oximeter at home?. However, there are reasons why a lower range occurs and in some cases, why it is sometimes acceptable. The normal oxygen saturation level is from 97 to 100%. Peripheral cyanosis is often caused by cold temperatures, but it can also indicate that you have a medical issue. 100 mmHg is required) Arterial blood gas test: pO2: 65-100 mmHg (9.5-13.9 kPa; age-dependent). Deep breathing exercises can help improve your lung function and increase oxygen intake. This article covers conditions that affect the amount of oxygen in your blood and the complications of having low oxygen saturation. Lifestyle changes that can help prevent hypoxemia include: Many of the symptoms and signs of asthma are nonspecific and can be seen in other conditions as well. People should contact a health care provider if their oxygen saturation readings drop below 92%, as it may be a sign of hypoxia, a condition in which not enough oxygen reaches the bodys tissues. Excessive motionshivering, shaking, or other movementcan also cause erroneous readings. Saturation levels may be somewhat lower and considered acceptable if you have a lung disease such as COPD or pneumonia. For example, it isnt uncommon for people with severe COPD to maintain their pulse ox levels (SpO2) between 88 to 92 percent. Arterial blood oxygen levels below 80 percent may compromise organ function, such as the brain and heart, and should be promptly addressed. Colomb Med. Older adults usually have lower levels of oxygen levels as compared to younger adults. Normal Oxygen Saturation Levels. This can be caused by lung conditions that include. This can be detected on an ABG. Pulse oximetry in primary care: Factors affecting accuracy and interpretation. adults, saturations of 96-98% are normal. Note: Normal levels may vary if you have lung disorders. A normal blood oxygen level for a healthy adult is generally considered to be between 95% and 100%. Your doctor can tell what levels are normal for you. However, people with chronic health conditions may need to monitor their blood oxygen level. Yes, exercise can improve blood oxygen levels. doi:10.1183/20734735.001415, Sarkar M, Niranjan N, Banyal PK. Your blood oxygen level is a measure of how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. When do elderly people need a regular measurement of saturation? What is normal respiratory rate by age? For example, someone older than 70 years of age may have an oxygen saturation level of about 95%, which is an acceptable level. In this case, it is recommended to rub your finger, improving blood flow. If you have a lung disease such as COPD or pneumonia, your normal oxygen saturation level may be lower. An ABG is very accurate, but its invasive. Anemia and transfusion of red blood cells. How to Maintain Healthy Blood Oxygen Levels. Sleep apnea is a condition in which you briefly stop breathing during sleep. Normal oxygen saturation levels are the same for kids as they are in adults; between 95% and 100%. So, with coronavirus infection, saturation in the elderly decreases by 1-2% every day. Can exercise improve blood oxygen levels? Older people often have vascular atherosclerosis, this can also lead to the fact that saturation can be underestimated. Similarly, a saturation > 90-94% on room air is abnormal (in patients with normal lungs) and can be an early sign of severe disease if the patient is on a downward trend. The three parameters of retinal oxygen saturation showed an increasing trend with increases in age (Table 2 and Fig. If they see a saturation below 95, then first try on all fingers, measure longer, if there is no increase on any of the fingers, this is an ambulance call. 2016 Dec;8(9):1-8. doi:10.1186/s13231-016-0023-0, Pavez N, Kattan E, Vera M, et al. Older adults tend to have lower oxygen saturation levels than younger adults. If your O2 sats are lower than that while you're sleeping, it could be a sign that you have a disorder like sleep apnea. What do certain pulse oximeter readings mean? How long does it take for oxygen levels to return to normal after COVID? During an ABG, a nurse or lab technician draws blood from an artery, such as the radial artery in the wrist or the femoral artery in the groin. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The saturation must have a normal result of 93-95%.\nSaturation of elderly may gradually decrease over hours, sometimes even days. The oxygen saturation distribution was not normal; the fifth percentile was 91% (95% CI = 89.5-92.0%), and the first percentile was 85% (95% CI = 80.0-87.8%). Mechanisms of hypoxemia. In addition to oxygen therapy, steroids or rescue inhalers (bronchodilators) might be needed to open the airways. A measurement of your blood oxygen is called your oxygen saturation level. Most children and adults dont need to monitor their blood oxygen level. Lung India. For most people, a normal pulse oximeter reading for your oxygen saturation level is between 95% and 100%. A doctor listens to the heart and lungs and will also look to see if the skin, lips, or fingernails have a bluish color. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The wrist is a sensitive area, making a blood draw there more uncomfortable compared to a vein near your elbow.