Pulse oximeters are a common tool for monitoring blood oxygen levels, but these may be less reliable for people of color, making delayed medical interventions a possibility. Unfortunately, pulse oximeters are basically the only options to consider in determining blood oxygen.
A 2020 study discovered that those with African descent were particularly more likely to experience occult hypoxemia—a condition in which low blood oxygen levels are not diagnosed.
While pulse oximetry is a noninvasive means of assessing the state of the lungs, other variables exist other than skin color, which can affect the outcome. Potential problems would include artificial nails, very dark-colored nail polish, very thick skin, very hot skin, and cigarette smoking. Here’s Manhattan Cardiology cardiologist Dr. Randy Gould to discuss this topic further. Read the article.
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