Were depending on these devices.
How Do Pulse Oximeters Work?
Conditions like lung disease, heart failure, and COVID-19 can cause low blood oxygen levels.
Grace Cary / Getty Images
Because this machine wasnt tested broadly, that calibration is off for individuals with darker skin tone.
Some pulse oximeter manufacturers say their devices work accurately on all skin tones.
Are There Alternatives to Pulse Oximeter?
If the issue persisted, he would try using a completely different pulse oximeter.
Unfortunately, there arent that many alternatives to pulse oximeters for measuring blood oxygen levels.
What Recommendations Might the FDA Make?
Iwashyna said this testing method excludes patients who have urgent medical needs, especially in the ICU.
There are some ideas out there that might be promising in terms of using different wavelengths, Valley said.
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Pulse oximetry.
Brown University.Correcting bias in pulse oximeters.
2023;9(2):73-77. doi:10.1136/bmjinnov-2022-001018
