Loading the Learning Center…
DO₂ = CaO₂ × CO × 10
Normal: 900–1100 mL O₂/min; critical threshold: < 300 mL O₂/min
Oxygen delivery quantifies the total amount of oxygen transported from the lungs to the systemic circulation per minute. It is the product of how much oxygen the blood carries (CaO₂) and how fast it is delivered (cardiac output). Tissues extract oxygen from this delivery to meet metabolic needs (VO₂).
Used in hemodynamic monitoring of critically ill patients via pulmonary artery catheter or cardiac output measurement. Assess DO₂ when managing septic shock, cardiogenic shock, or ARDS to ensure tissues are receiving adequate oxygen supply.
→ 1000 mL/min
Normal oxygen delivery
→ 1040 mL/min
High CO compensating for low CaO₂ — borderline delivery
DO₂ can be improved by increasing Hgb (transfusion), improving SaO₂ (optimize ventilation/O₂), or increasing cardiac output (inotropes, fluids, vasopressors). Tissues require VO₂ ≈ 200–300 mL/min; the DO₂/VO₂ ratio (O₂ utilization coefficient) is normally 25%. When DO₂ falls critically, tissues shift to anaerobic metabolism → lactic acidosis.