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Pulse Oximeter Devices Have Higher Error Rate in Black Patients (Published 2020)
A study showed that the devices, which measure oxygen levels in the blood, were three times more likely to give misleading readings among African-American patients.
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Effects of skin pigmentation on pulse oximeter accuracy at low saturation
The three tested pulse oximeters overestimated arterial oxygen saturation during hypoxia in dark-skinned individuals.
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A panel of the US Food and Drug Administration’s Medical Devices Advisory Committee will meet Tuesday to review clinical data about the accuracy of pulse oximetry in patients with darker skin and to discuss recommendations on using these devices on people with dark skin tones and whether they …
Doctors Warn F.D.A. of Health Risks Posed by Flawed Oxygen Devices
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Pulse Oximeters May Be Less Accurate for Black People. Should You Use One? (Published 2020)
Although a new study showed the devices are more error-prone in people with darker skin, doctors say they are still useful for anyone monitoring Covid-19 at home.
Scientists are searching for solutions after studies show pulse oximeters don't work as well for people of color | CNN
Often when Dr. Thomas Valley sees a new patient in the intensive care unit at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, he clamps a pulse oximeter on their finger -- one of the many devices he uses to gauge their health and what course of care they might require, …
When it comes to darker skin, pulse oximeters fall short
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.