The ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) to fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) provides an assessment of the efficiency of gas exchange in the lungs. This value is obtained by dividing the arterial oxygen partial pressure, measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg), by the fraction of inspired oxygen, a percentage typically expressed as a decimal (e.g., 60% FiO2 = 0.6). For example, if a patient has a PaO2 of 80 mmHg while receiving an FiO2 of 0.5, the resulting calculation would be 80 / 0.5 = 160.
This derived value is a key indicator in the diagnosis and monitoring of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and other conditions causing hypoxemia. A lower result indicates more severe impairment of oxygen transfer from the lungs into the blood. Its use has become standardized in clinical practice, enabling healthcare professionals to consistently assess the severity of respiratory compromise, adjust treatment strategies such as mechanical ventilation settings, and track patient progress over time. This standardized approach promotes consistent diagnostic criteria and facilitates comparative studies of respiratory failure management.