More Evidence Links Inaccurate Pulse Oximeter Readings to Skin Tones

NEW ORLEANS—The accuracy of some pulse oximeters has been called into question in certain clinical situations by the results of two recent studies from the University of California, San Francisco.

In one trial, researchers found a wide range of performance among a series of low-cost pulse oximeters, of which only a handful met current FDA requirements for accuracy. In the second trial, researchers concluded that low perfusion affects pulse oximetry readings, and these effects are