Detroit Evening Report: Study finds pulse oximeters are inaccurate for dark-skinned patients

Welcome to the Detroit Evening Report, a daily round-up of news that city residents need to know.

Pulse oximeter on someone's right index finger.

Listen and Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report

NPR | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts


Inaccurate Pulse Oximeters

A group of University of Michigan researchers has found a device commonly used to measure blood oxygen levels is likely to produce inaccurate readings for dark skinned patients.

Bridge Michigan reports incorrect readings often masked dangerously low oxygen levels that then lead to delays in medical care. Studies going back as far as the ‘90s have suggested pulse oximeters were likely to give false readings to dark-skinned patients.

The U of M group was able to perform a larger scale study during the early days of the COVID pandemic. The researchers presented their data to the Food and Drug Administration this month. The FDA issued a warning about the “limitations” of the devices early last year but has not yet acted on the latest data.

Other headlines for November 14, 2022:

  • New halal coney island restaurant opens on Detroit’s east side
  • Sigma Gamma Rho celebrates 100 years

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

Author

  • Tia Graham
    Tia Graham is a reporter and Weekend Edition Host for 101.9 WDET. She graduated from Michigan State University where she had the unique privilege of covering former President Barack Obama and his trip to Lansing in 2014.