Pulse oximeters have been a crucial tool in the healthcare system yet have recently been reported to show false readings for Black patients compared to non black ones. This discrepancy poses a potentially life threatening issue within the medical system.
False Readings on Black Skin
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan, it was found that Black patients were more likely to have an inaccurate pulse oximeter reading compared to White patients, with the device often showing normal oxygen levels even when patients had low blood oxygen. This can be especially dangerous in cases where timely medical intervention is crucial, such as with COVID-19, where oxygen deprivation can quickly become life-threatening.
The underlying reasons for this discrepancy are skin tone, tissue thickness, and the amount of melanin in the skin, which have the ability to impact the amount of light absorbed by the pulse oximeter sensor. While these devices are generally reliable, their limitations in Black populations have raised concerns about racial disparities in healthcare. These inaccuracies can contribute to systemic healthcare inequities, particularly when treatment is delayed or patients are sent home despite low oxygen levels.
Inclusivity is the solution
To address this issue, experts suggest that more research is needed to develop pulse oximeters that are equally accurate across all skin tones. Some have called for more diverse clinical testing, which includes a wider range of skin colors to ensure the technology works well for everyone. Until then, healthcare providers are urged to take these limitations into account and use additional methods of assessing oxygen levels, such as arterial blood gas tests, especially when pulse oximeter readings seem inconsistent or don't align with a patient's clinical condition