Oximeter Sensor Research Articles

Comparing peripheral limb and forehead vital sign monitoring in newborn infants at birth.

To study the feasibility of measuring heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2) on the forehead, during newborn transition at birth, and to compare these measurements with those obtained from the wrist. Vital signs were measured and compared between forehead-mounted reflectance (remittance) photoplethysmography sensor (fhPPG) and a wrist-mounted pulse oximeter sensor (wrPO), from 20 enrolled term newborns born via elective caesarean section, during the first 10 min of life. From the datasets available (n = 13), the median (IQR) sensor placement times for fhPPG, ECG and wrPO were 129 (70) s, 143 (68) s, and 159 (76) s, respectively, with data recorded for up to 10 min after birth. The success rate (percentage of total possible HR values reported once sited) of fhPPG (median = 100%) was higher compared to wrPO (median = 69%) during the first 6 min of life (P < 0.005). Both devices exhibited good HR agreement with ECG, achieving >95% agreement by 3 (fhPPG) and 4 (wrPO) min. SpO2 for fhPPG correlated with wrPO (r = 0.88), but there were significant differences in SpO2 between the two devices between 3 and 8 min (P < 0.005), with less variance observed with fhPPG SpO2. In the period of newborn transition at birth in healthy term infants, forehead measurement of vital signs was feasible and exhibited greater HR accuracy and higher estimated SpO2 values compared to wrist-sited pulse oximetry. Further investigation of forehead monitoring based on the potential benefits over peripheral monitoring is warranted. This study demonstrates the feasibility of continuously monitoring heart rate and oxygen saturation from an infant's forehead in the delivery room immediately after birth. Significantly higher SpO2 measurements were observed from the forehead than the wrist during the transition from foetal to newborn life. Continuous monitoring of vital signs from the forehead could become a valuable tool to improve the delivery of optimal care provided for newborns at birth.

To Validate Use of Transmittance Sensor of Peripheral Pulse Oximeter for Forehead Pulse Oximetry in Newborns

Introduction Peripheral pulse oximeters with continuous monitoring of heart rate and saturation have revolutionized neonatal care. Motion artifacts, hypothermia, and poor perfusion are some of the barriers for reliable reading in the transmittance type of peripheral pulse oximeters. This study was planned to assess the effectiveness of transmittance sensors applied over the forehead for monitoring the heart rate and saturation. Material and Methods An observation study was conducted over a period of 1 month. Two pulse oximeters (Masimo RAD97) were applied simultaneously, one over the periphery (right hand/wrist) and the other over the forehead using an innovative headband. A total of 540 readings of heart rate and saturation (SpO2) from each site were recorded. A difference of more than 5 beats/minute in heart rate and 2% saturation were considered clinically significant. Results Forty-five neonates with mean gestational age of 35.3 ± 3.2 weeks and birth weight of 2109 ± 683 grams were enrolled. Forehead pulse oximeter could pick up the heart rate and SpO2 readings in all the babies. A statistically significant difference of 3.8 beats/minute in heart rate and 2.5% in SpO2 was noted ( p-value &lt; 0.0001). The difference in heart rate was not clinically significant. Conclusion We propose that the transmittance type peripheral pulse oximeter sensors can be used over the forehead. It has the potential to avoid erroneous readings due to motion artifacts, hypothermia, or shock. Saturation nomograms for the forehead pulse oximetry need to be established before it can be used to monitor and manage the neonates for the same.

IoT-based Flex Sensor Gloves for Immobility Patients: A Prototype

Immobility patients often experience difficulties in daily interactions, especially communicating with nurses or carers. This study designed a glove prototype installed with a tension sensor as a communication tool to help patients. The designed prototype, a cutting-edge innovation, is paired with five flexible sensors to make it easier for nurses to read the five-finger movement signals. This prototype is not just a tool but a lifeline, equipped with temperature and pulse sensors that provide real-time monitoring of the patient’s physical condition, enhancing patient safety. Testing of the flex sensor glove prototype is carried out by processing flex-sensor input data temperature sensors, and Pulse Oximeter sensors so that they can be displayed on the Blynk application. Every movement conveys the patient's emotions and is implemented with Arduino UNO; a wireless serial interface is used for data transmission between transmitter and receiver. In an emergency, communications will be transmitted using a GSM module. The flex sensor indentation is processed by Arduino-Nano and sent to the Blynk application. Every movement conveys the patient's emotions and is implemented with Arduino UNO; a wireless serial interface is used for data transmission between transmitter and receiver. In an emergency, communications will be transmitted using a GSM module. The results of the flex sensor test show that the prototype will send notifications in the form of requests to the Blynk application.

Women Safety System Using ARM Micro controller and Arduino

This abstract presents a comprehensive women's safety device leveraging modern technology for effective emergency response. The device integrates various components including the Neo6M GPS module, module, Arduino Nano microcontroller, push button for emergency alert, , pulse oximeter MAX30100, and temperature sensor LM35. The Arduino Nano serves as the central processing unit, orchestrating data collection, processing, and transmission.Incorporating a Python Flask WebApp and ThingSpeak platform, the device ensures real-time alerts and cloud storage capabilities. The Flask WebApp facilitates user interaction and customization, enabling users to set preferences and receive notifications. ThingSpeak enables seamless data logging and retrieval from the cloud, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.Upon activation, the device initiates location tracking via the GPS module and triggers an emergency alert through the module. Simultaneously, vital signs such as pulse rate and temperature are monitored using the MAX30100 pulse oximeter and LM35 temperature sensor respectively. These data are transmitted to the Flask WebApp and ThingSpeak platform for real-time monitoring and alert generation.This innovative solution aims to provide women with a reliable, multifunctional safety device capable of prompt emergency response and continuous monitoring, ultimately enhancing their safety and well-being in various settings. Key Words: Safety system, ARM micro-controller, Arduino, GPS, Alerting, Web-Application.

E Wheel: A Smart Wheelchair

Abstract: In this project, we propose the development of an innovative smart electric wheelchair tailored to address the needs of individuals with mobility impairments. The primary objective is to enhance their quality of life and promote independence through the integration of cutting-edge technologies. The wheelchair's standout feature lies in its incorporation of advanced control mechanisms, notably head gesture control. This intuitive navigation system allows users to maneuver the wheelchair effortlessly, while also offering joystick controls. Furthermore, the wheelchair integrates a pulse oximeter sensor, enabling realtime health monitoring. This functionality is crucial for individuals with mobility impairments who may require continuous monitoring of vital signs such as oxygen saturation and heart rate. The inclusion of Blink facilitates remote monitoring and caregiver alerts, providing peace of mind to both users and their caregivers. Safety is paramount in the design of this wheelchair. To ensure safe navigation in various environments, the wheelchair is equipped with obstacle detection and protection mechanisms.

Advances in pediatric anesthesia services over the past 10 years in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa.

To improve and maintain quality and safety in anesthesia, standards have been proposed regarding human resources, facilities and equipment, medications and intravenous fluids, monitoring, and the conduct of anesthesia. Compliance with these standards remains a challenge in French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and results in high morbidity and mortality particularly in children. This aim of this study was to assess the progress made in improving the pediatric anesthesia infrastructures, human resources, education, medications, and equipment in French-speaking SSA over the past 10 years (2013-2022). This is a descriptive, multicenter, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection, conducted from September 1 to November 5, 2023. Comparative data from 2012 to 2022 were collected through an online survey. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Data were obtained from 12 countries out of 14. The number of hospitals providing pediatric surgery and anesthesia rose from 94 in 2012 to 142 in 2022 (+51%). The total number of physician anesthesiologists rose from 293 (0.1 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 inhabitants) in 2012 to 597 (0.2 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 inhabitants) in 2022 (+103.7%). Five (0.006 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 children) had completed a fellowship in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care in 2012, and 15 (0.01 physician anesthesiologists/100 000 children) in 2022 (+200%). Five physician anesthesiologists had an exclusive pediatric anesthesia practice in 2012, whereas they were 32 in 2022 (+540%). There is no specialized training in pediatric anesthesia and intensive care in any of these countries. Halothane was always available in 81.5% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 50.4% of the hospitals in 2022. Sevoflurane was always available in 5% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 36.2% in 2022. Morphine was always available in 32.2% in 2012, whereas it was available in 52.9% of them in 2022. Pediatric pulse oximeter sensors were available in 36% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 63.4% in 2022. Capnography was available in 5.3% of the hospitals in 2012, and in 48% in 2022. Progress have been made over the last 10 years in French-speaking SSA to improve infrastructures, human resources, education, medications, and equipment for pediatric anesthesia in French-speaking SSA. However, major efforts must be continued. Standards adapted to the local context should be formulated.

Design and Implementation of an IoT Based Patient's Health Monitoring System

This paper presents an Internet of Things (IoT) based patient's health monitoring system that can be given to patients, especially in remote areas from the hospitals. This system is built around Node MCU (ESP8266) which is used to control the activities of the system. The microcontroller is interfaced to MLX90614 which is the contactless infrared (IR) temperature sensor and MAX30101 which is the High-Sensitivity Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Sensor. The software implementation involves the programming of the microcontroller in Arduino IDE environment and the setting up of the Blynk cloud platform for receiving data from the system. This data can be accessed remotely in the Blynk platform through internet connection. The results obtained show that the system performed optimally as the percentage error margin in readings obtained from the system for body temperature, heart rate (pulse rate), and blood Oxygen level when compared with commercially available health measuring devices show a maximum percentage error of 3.51 in heart rate and a minimum percentage error of - 3.42 in body temperature. Again, the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for body temperature, heart rate (pulse rate), and blood Oxygen level when compared with commercially available health measuring devices are 0.351, 0.935, and 2.503 respectively. These values are less than the 2% stipulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirement of root mean square accuracy for pulse oximeters, and the percentage error values in this work are less than ±5% for oximeter. This means that the system is reliable.

Patient Reminder System

Overview Patient Health Monitoring on ESP8266 Healthcare technology is very popular in this pandemic situation because of coronavirus. Actually, health care technology is rapidly being revolutionized with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT). Monitoring the health status of a covid patient is a hard task because of our busy schedule and our daily work. Mostly, the elderly covid patients should be monitored periodically. So, I thought to make an innovative system in this lockdown to automate the task. This device uses an ESP8266 webserver to track patient health using this monitoring system. Hence, patient health parameters such as body temperature, heart rate (BPM), blood oxygen levels (Sp02) as well as room temperature and humidity can be monitored from any device (like Smartphone, PC, Laptop, Smart TV,.) That support browsing capabilities. In this project, we will learn how to build an ESP8266 based Patient Health Monitoring System. To measure Heart Rate/Pulse (BPM) and Blood Oxygen Level (SpO2), we use the MAX30100 pulse oximeter sensor. Similarly, to measure body temperature, we use the DS18B20 temperature sensor. Meanwhile, the patient is inside the room. So we need to monitor room temperature and humidity level as well. We should keep them in a room with a certain temperature and humidity level to not feel uncomfortable. Hence, we use the DHT22 Temperature &amp; Humidity sensor. A Smart Patient Health Monitoring System using IoT (Internet of Things) is a technology-driven solution designed to continuously collect, transmit, and analyze health-related data from patients. It provides real-time insights to healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers to improve patient care, enhance early disease detection, and promote overall well-being. One important component of such a system is the alert system, which notifies relevant parties when certain health parameters or conditions require attention.

Development of a wearable monitor to identify stress levels using internet of things

Modern life's ubiquitous component of stress has a significant impact on many facets of human existence. This article presents the development of a wearable device integrated with internet of things (IoT) technology, aiming to identify and quantify stress levels in real-time. This technology provides a possible means of improving stress assessment, enabling prompt treatments and individualized stress management techniques. ESP32-PICO computation platform was used as part of wearable stress monitor. The developed wearable monitor also includes a high-sensitivity pulse oximeter and heart-rate sensor (MAX30102) and galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors to acquire physiological signals associated with stress status. The wearable monitor device delivers data to the firebase platform via Wi-Fi. The benefits and prospective uses of the IoT-enabled wearable device are also covered in the article. It demonstrates the mobile wearable monitor adaptability in a variety of scenarios, such as offices, classrooms, and healthcare facilities, where stress management is vita and required for activity optimization. Continuous monitoring capabilities allow users to learn about their stress levels and take proactive self-care measures. During the validation experiments, the accuracy of measurement capabilities of the developed wearable monitor were evaluated reduced errors of heart rate and respiratory rate being observed.

IOT-BASED SMART SALINE LEVEL AND HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM

The many uses of saline solution include as providing temporary fluids when there is under or no hydration among the trauma cases. In addition, they participate in the control of salt and the levels of electrolytes in the body. To maintain the level of a saline bottle, hospital nurses or aides prime responsibility is to check it on a regular basis. The failure to replace them in time may result in a reversal of blood flow, compromising the patient’s life. An Internet of Things (IoT)-based Smart Saline Level was developed to solve this issue and to provide an automated and efficient solution for remote monitoring. The Proposed system employs Internet of Things (IoT) technology, integrating NodeMCU, a load cell amplifier (HX711), Arduino UNO, Pulse oximeter (MAX 30100) sensor, DHT11 Sensor and a voltage regulator(L7805). The load cell, in combination with the HX711 amplifier, accurately measures the weight of the saline bottle. MAX30100 sensor measures Heart Rate &amp; Oxygen saturation (SPo2) levels in blood. DHT11 Sensor detects the Humidity and Temperature levels. All the data is transmitted to the Arduino UNO, which serves as a master, the NodeMCU facilitates wireless communication, relaying the collected data from the Arduino UNO to the designated IoT cloud platform for remote monitoring.

Wireless Patient Monitoring System Based on Smart Wristbands and Central user Interface Software.

In this article, a patient monitoring system is proposed that is able to obtain heart rate and oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels of patients, identify abnormal conditions, and inform emergency status to the nurses. The proposed monitoring system consists of smart patient wristbands, smart nurse wristbands, central monitoring user interface (UI) software, and a wireless communication network. In the proposed monitoring system, a unique smart wristband is dedicated to each of the patients and nurses. To measure heart rate and SpO2 level, a pulse oximeter sensor is used in the patient wristbands. The output of this sensor is transferred to the wristband's microcontroller where heart rate and SpO2 are calculated through advanced signal processing algorithms. Then, the calculated values are transmitted to central UI software through a wireless network. In the UI software, received values are compared with their normal values and a predefined message is sent to the nurses' wristband if an abnormal condition is identified. Whenever this message is received by a nurse's wristband, an acoustic alarm with vibration is generated to inform an emergency status to the nurse. By doing so, health services are delivered to the patients more quickly and as a result, the probability of the patient recovery is increased effectively.

Heart rate sensor with IoT features

This paper describes the working of a heartbeat sensor project aimed at creating an internet-enabled heart rate monitoring device, combining the ESP32 microcontroller, MAX30102 pulse oximeter sensor, and OLED display. The device transmits real-time data to a webpage, allowing users to monitor their heart rate conveniently. Challenges included securing a stable internet connection and optimizing power consumption. Potential applications range from remote patient monitoring to fitness tracking, promoting healthier lifestyles. The project demonstrated the convergence of IoT and health monitoring technologies. Plans involve refining the device’s capabilities and enhancing user experience.

Safety Hat for Blind People

People who are visually handicapped or blind find it challenging to travel alone, mostly because they are less aware of their surroundings and unable to feel potential risks. These might endanger themselves. Thus, this work proposed a Safety Hat for Blind People to assist them in performing their daily routines such as walking the dog and buying groceries, only to name a few. The safety hat is made up of three major systems: an obstacle avoidance system, a health monitoring system, and a rain monitoring system, all of which are connected to an Arduino Mega 2560. The obstacle avoidance system, which makes use of four pairs of ultrasonic sensors, shall be activated to alert the user of approaching obstacles from the front, back, left, or right side. Based on experiments, the obstacle avoidance system may detect an obstruction within 100 cm. The user's pulse rate and amount of oxygen (SpO2) can be assessed by the health monitoring system, which employs a pulse oximeter and heart rate sensor, and the results are displayed on the LCD display attached to the safety hat. A buzzer that signals a high pulse rate shall be activated if the measured pulse rate exceeds 100 bpm. The rain monitoring system, on the other hand, uses a rain sensor module to detect the presence of water and uses a buzzer to alert the user. Based on the outcomes of the experiments, this Safety Hat for Blind People shall provide a secure environment for them to lead their daily life normally without any sense of danger.

Assessment of Pulpal Oxygen Saturation in Caries-free and Carious Maxillary Primary Central Incisors Using a Customized Dental Pulse Oximeter.

Pulpal status is best determined by assessing the pulp vitality, which proves to be important yet sceptical with the use of conventional thermal and electrical testing methods. The use of pulse oximetry helps to arrive at a definitive diagnosis by detecting the pulpal oxygen saturation. To assess and compare the pulpal oxygen saturation in caries-free and carious maxillary primary central incisors using a customized dental pulse oximeter sensor probe. A total of 225 maxillary primary central incisors were selected from children aged 3-6 years. Teeth were categorized into group I-caries-free teeth, group II-deep caries lesion, and group III-pulpectomized teeth (n =75 in each group). Pulpal oxygen levels were assessed using a three-dimensionally (3D) designed custom-made probe, and the readings were tabulated. The values were subjected to statistical analysis using paired t-test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. The mean oxygen saturation levels of teeth in group I (92.03%) were statistically significantly high compared to group II (64.36%), that was statistically significant. Readings noted from group III, which was kept as control, was 0%. The obtained results showed that the caries-free group exhibited higher saturation compared to the carious group. 3D designed customized pulse oximeter can be used as an adjunct to assess the pulp vitality in primary teeth. Kanumuru KR, Solomon N, Ramkumar H, et al. Assessment of Pulpal Oxygen Saturation in Caries-free and Carious Maxillary Primary Central Incisors using a Customized Dental Pulse Oximeter. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(4):560-564.

Bacterial Contamination on Reusable Pulse Oximeter Sensors in Intensive Care Units and Its Manual Disinfection by Alcohol and Sodium Hypochlorite

: Nosocomial infections may result from intensive care unit pulse oximeters. The descriptive study examined pulse oximeter sensor microbiological contamination and the efficacy of manual disinfection with alcohol and sodium hypochlorite in five hospital intensive care units. Sixty-eight reusable pulse oximeter sensors were swabbed, cultured, and evaluated after decontamination. In private and public hospitals, 12 (35.2%) and 13 (37.2%) pulse oximeters tested positive for bacteria. Alcohol 70% reduced the microbial load and more than 10% sodium hypochlorite. The study found that purposeful cleaning and disinfection reduce microorganisms. Alcohol was more efficacious than sodium hypochlorite. Critical care facilities should regularly clean reusable pulse oximeter sensors.

Automatic RF Leakage Cancellation for Improved Remote Vital Sign Detection Using a Low-IF Dual-PLL Radar System

Remote vital sign detection using Doppler radar has gained increasing interest over the years. However, challenges remain in improving radar system sensitivity to extend the detection range. In this article, we analyze noise contributions in a dual-PLL low-IF Doppler radar system and identify RF leakage/coupling as a major component of the system noise floor. This effect results in negligible SNR improvement when the transmit output power is increased beyond a certain threshold. By applying RF leakage/coupling cancellation through phase and magnitude adjustments, we demonstrate significant improvements to radar system performance. Furthermore, we propose and validate an automatic RF leakage cancellation scheme. The proposed technique is shown to achieve a vital-sign-sensing range of <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$4$</tex-math> </inline-formula> m under a very low transmit power of <inline-formula xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$-$</tex-math> </inline-formula> 31 dBm and with a high confidence level of three beats per minute against the ground truth measured by an oximeter sensor.

Motor Vehicle Driver Monitoring System to Prevent Traffic Accident

Traffic accident data shows an upward trend. One of the contributing factors is the condition of the driver who is tired or sleepy due to decreased oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2). If the oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2) decreases, the oxygen supply to the brain also decreases, which causes the driver to feel tired or sleepy, even to shortness of breath. By using a pulse oximeter sensor mounted on the wrist, oxygen saturation in the blood (SpO2) can be detected. The results of the sensor readings are then sent using blue tooth technology to the microcontroller and displayed on the monitor. If the driver is tired or sleepy, there will be a warning that the driver should take a rest immediately. Based on the results of trials that have been carried out, the average error in measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) is 0.52%.

Simple and Easily Interpretable Flap Monitoring Method Using a Commercial Pulse Oximeter and a Widely Used Bedside Patient Monitor.

Background Various methods for monitoring after free flap surgery have been reported in the literature. Among them, pulse oximetry shows a sensitive reaction to vascular issues, and it is easy to interpret visually. However, previous reports used special equipment that was less commonly used and difficult to generalize. In this study, we used a commercial pulse oximeter and a widely used bedside patient monitor to monitor transplanted free tissue and lower extremities of healthy subjects with impaired circulation. Methods A reflectance pulse oximeter sensor was attached on the flap after free tissue transplantation. The sensor was connected to a bedside patient monitor, and the flap oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels and arterial waveforms were continuously monitored. Additionally, blood circulation disorder was induced in the lower limbs of healthy volunteers using pressure cuff inflation on the thigh, and the waveform and SpO2 levels on the pulse oximeter attached to the lower leg were monitored. Results Twenty-two patients were included in this study. No postoperative vascular issues were observed in any case. Pulse oximeters showed normal rhythmic wavelengths, and the flap SpO2 level ranged approximately >90%. The pulse oximeter waveform rapidly disappeared during arterial occlusion in the thigh pressure cuff inflation test, and the waveform flattened and the SpO2 level decreased slightly during venous congestion. Conclusion Flap monitoring using a commercially available pulse oximeter and a bedside patient monitor is a versatile, easy-to-interpret, and useful method. Changes in waveform and SpO2 levels appear during arterial and venous circulation disorders, and these changes can be differentiated.

Clinical evaluation for the pharyngeal oxygen saturation measurements in shocked patients

BackgroundMonitoring oxygen saturation in shocked patients is a challenging nursing procedure. Shock syndrome alters peripheral tissue perfusion and hinders peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) measurements. Our study aimed to find a solution to this problem. The pharynx is expected to be an accurate SpO2 measurement site in shocked patients. We clinically evaluated the pharyngeal SpO2 measurements against the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) measurements.MethodsA prospective cohort research design was used. This study included 168 adult shocked patients. They were admitted to five intensive care units from March to December 2020 in an Egyptian hospital. A wrap oximeter sensor was attached to the posterior surface of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) by adhesive tape. The optical component of the sensor adhered to the pharyngeal surface after the OPA insertion. Simultaneous pharyngeal peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) measurements were recorded. The pharyngeal SpO2 was clinically evaluated. Also, variables associated with the SpO2 bias were evaluated for their association with the pharyngeal SpO2 bias.ResultsThe pharyngeal SpO2 bias was − 0.44% with − 1.65 to 0.78% limits of agreement. The precision was 0.62, and the accuracy was 0.05. The sensitivity to detect mild and severe hypoxemia was 100%, while specificity to minimize false alarm of hypoxemia was 100% for mild hypoxemia and 99.4% for severe hypoxemia. None of the studied variables were significantly associated with the pharyngeal SpO2 bias.ConclusionThe pharyngeal SpO2 has a clinically acceptable bias, which is less than 0.5% with high precision, which is less than 2%.

Racial Disparity in Oxygen Saturation Measurements by PulseOximetry: Evidence and Implications.

The pulse oximeter is a ubiquitous clinical tool used to estimate blood oxygen concentrations. However, decreased accuracy of pulse oximetry in patients with dark skin tones has been demonstrated since as early as 1985. Most commonly, pulse oximeters may overestimate the true oxygen saturation in individuals with dark skin tones, leading to higher rates of occult hypoxemia (i.e., clinically unrecognized low blood oxygen saturation). Overestimation of oxygen saturation in patients with dark skin tones has serious clinical implications, as these patients may receive insufficiently rigorous medical care when pulse oximeter measurements suggest that their oxygen saturation is higher than the true value. Recent studies have linked pulse oximeter inaccuracy to worse clinical outcomes, suggesting that pulse oximeter inaccuracy contributes to known racial health disparities. The magnitude of device inaccuracy varies by pulse oximeter manufacturer, sensor type, and arterial oxygen saturation. The underlying reasons for decreased pulse oximeter accuracy for individuals with dark skin tones may be related to failure to control for increased absorption of red light by melanin during device development and insufficient inclusion of individuals with dark skin tones during device calibration. Inadequate regulatory standards for device approval may also play a role in decreased accuracy. Awareness of potential pulse oximeter limitations is an important step for providers and may encourage the consideration of additional clinical information for management decisions. Ultimately, stricter regulatory requirements for oximeter approval and increased manufacturer transparency regarding device performance are required to mitigate this racial bias.