Pulse Oximetry Accuracy Varies Among Different Groups

Self-identified Black patients were more likely to have occult hypoxemia missed by pulse oximetry.

Measuring arterial oxygen saturation with pulse oximetry might be less accurate in patients with darker skin pigmentation, and the effects of such a difference on patient outcomes is unclear (N Engl J Med 2020; 383:2477). In a retrospective observational study, researchers paired >128,000 pulse oximetry–estimated oxygen saturation (SpO₂) measurements with their associated arterial blood gas (ABG)–derived oxygen saturation (SaO₂) readings in >26,000 adult intensive care unit (ICU) or surgical inpatients at 3 U.S. academic medical centers.

After adjusting for potential confounders, self-identified Black patients were significantly more likely to have occult hypoxemia (defined as SaO₂ <88% despite normal SpO₂ [i.e., ≥92%]) during hospitalizatio…

Reviewing Authors

Francois Rollin, MD

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Neil H. Winawer, MD, SFHM

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Pulse Oximetry Accuracy Varies Among Different Groups

Topics

Reviewing Authors