Trust but verify may be needed for pulse oximeters, Elizabeth Tracey reports

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With several studies saying oxygen measurements are too low and one saying they’re too high, how much can pulse oximeters be trusted in those with darker skin? Rohan Mathur, a critical care medicine expert at Johns Hopkins, says that oft used standby ‘more research needed,’ probably applies. 

Mathur: We know that there is a discrepancy amongst people with different skin pigmentation. One of the things I really like about this study they looked at skin pigmentation through an objective lens, so they actually measured skin pigmentation. They didn't just say oh this person self identifies as this race etcetera, they actually measured the amount of pigmentation there was in the skin. I think it's very controlled study we have simultaneous measurements and an interesting finding what that means for me as a practicing intensivist is I will have to trust but verify maybe a little bit more.              :31

There are methods to directly measure the level of oxygen in the blood, Mathur notes, but says they are not practical for continuous use, so conclusive research and development of very accurate devices is indicated. At Johns Hopkins, I’m Elizabeth Tracey.