New studies call into question the accuracy of pulse oximeters in some people of color. The devices are not calibrated to account for darker skin tones so there is a risk that oxygen saturation levels in Asian, Black and Latino patients may be overestimated.
New studies suggest pulse oximeters are not calibrated to account for darker skin, resulting in overestimation of Black and Hispanic patients’ blood oxygen levels, raising the possibility they may not receive treatments they need.
Evidence is increasingly suggests that pulse oximeters overestimate the amount of oxygen in the blood of Black patients. What can SBM do about such disparities?
These devices measure blood oxygen levels and can help identify when patients are dangerously ill. But research shows they can deliver misleading results for people with darker skin.
These devices measure blood oxygen levels and can help identify when patients are dangerously ill. But research shows they can deliver misleading results for people with darker skin.