Nasal Canula Fio(2) Estimate
Info
Standard Nasal Canula 0.5 L/min 1L/min 1.5 L/min 2 L/min 2.5 L/min 3 L/min 3.5 L/min 4 L/min 4.5 L/min 5 L/min 5.5 L/min 6 L/min -
High Flow Nasal Canula 6 L/min 8 L/min 10 L/min 12 L/min 15 L/min -
R e s u l t s
---
 
-
 
-
 
-
 
Show Results
Info
Nasal Canula Fio(2) Estimate

This information below applies to ADULTS ONLY

 

Oxygen supplementation by nasal canula (NC) is common; and estimation of the inspired fraction of oxygen various flow rates generate can be useful when interpreting ABG data or response to oxygen.

 

Room air is 21% oxygen and the addition of each 1 liter/minute (L/min) flow rate by nasal canula typically raises the FIO 2 by 3%.

 

Est. FiO 2 = 21% + L/min x 3%

 

Flow rates at maximum 6 L/min are recommended by NC.

 

However, in recent times; High Flow Nasal Canulas (HFNC) have become available that allow much higher flow rates, including up to 15 lpm to be used. It is notable, that although the same FiO 2 can be achieved with HFNC as simple masks (SM) or non-rebreather masks (NRM); the variability in actual FiO 2 is much greater with these devices (as it likely is with a standard NC).

 

O2 Flow in liters/min-->FiO2% mean-->Range FiO2%

  • 6-->54%-->35-89%
  • 8-->58%-->33-87%
  • 10-->66%-->40-88%
  • 12-->69%-->37-93%
  • 15-->75%-->39-98%

Garcia JA, et al. The Oxygen Concentrations Delivered by Different Oxygen Therapy Systems. Chest. 2005;128(4):389S.