How a small device called a pulse oximeter measures blood oxygen levels

A pulse oximeter is a device that clips on your finger, toe, or earlobe to measure blood oxygen saturation. Here's how it works and how to read it.
Wareable

Garmin Pulse Ox explained: Understand blood oxygen saturation data

Tucked away in some Garmin watches is a sensor that enables continuous blood oxygen monitoring, a feature the company refers to as ‘Pulse Ox’. You may have seen the feature appear in menus or in ...
Becker's Hospital Review

FDA explores getting more accurate, equitable readings from pulse oximeters

The FDA is convening a panel of experts to determine a better way to evaluate pulse oximeter readings so that they provide more accurate data for patients of color, the agency announced Feb. 2. Pulse ...
CNN

People with darker skin are 32% more likely to have pulse oximeter readings overestimate oxygen levels, report says

Scientists have long known that pulse oximeters are less accurate when used for people with dark skin tones – and now, a new report offers some insight into just how much more inaccurate these ...
FierceBiotech

Masimo touts study showing its pulse oximeters are effective across skin tones regardless of perfusion levels

About a week after the FDA convened its latest meeting to discuss strategies for reducing racial biases in widely available pulse oximetry technology, Masimo has released new study data suggesting ...
Los Angeles Times

Oakland clinic gets medical device maker to disclose risk of false blood-oxygen reading

-One of healthcare’s most fundamental tools works less reliably for people with darker skin tones. - An Oakland clinic’s lawsuit is helping to change that in California. The pulse oximeter, a device ...