Closing the Gap: How Technology Can Help Address Disparities in Pulse Oximetry

Image Source: The New York Times

Pulse oximetry, an essential monitoring device for oxygen levels, has been under siege due to inconsistencies in accuracy between various skin colors. Experiments have proved that standard pulse oximeters tend to overestimate oxygen saturation among darker-skinned patients, resulting in misdiagnoses and postponed treatments. But technological innovation in the field of optics and diverse research efforts are attempting to close this gap.

1. Understanding the Disparities in Pulse Oximetry

Red and infrared light are used by pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen levels, but greater absorption of melanin in darker skin may distort readings.
In a 2021 study, patients with darker skin were found to be three times as likely to develop occult hypoxemia, in which low levels of oxygen are not detected.
This has been a source of concern, especially in critical care, where proper oxygen monitoring is critical.

2. Technological Advances to Enhance Accuracy

Firms such as Medtronic are creating next-generation pulse oximeters that use sophisticated algorithms to enhance precision in all skin colors.
The Monk Skin Tone (MST) Scale, a 10-pigmentation scale, is being employed to guarantee fair testing of new oximeter designs.
The Open Oximetry Project, spearheaded by UCSF, is developing new standards of validation and open data sharing to enhance device reliability.

3. Future Outlook and Industry Collaboration

Manufacturers and researchers are working together to create unbiased optical technologies so all patients receive accurate measurements.
Regulatory agencies will implement updated standards, including diverse testing prior to releasing new pulse oximeters onto the market.
The trend for health equity in medical technology is accelerating, and global efforts are working to combat patient care disparities.

Source: Medtronic, atrespiratorylectures.com, www.ucsf.edu