U-M study finds Pulse Ox devices less accurate in patients with darker skin

If you or a loved one has had a case of COVID, you may be familiar with the Pulse Ox device to check how much oxygen you have in your blood. It's often the first clue that a COVID patient will need more advanced medical care, but research from the University of Michigan finds these devices are not as reliable for every patient.

[createprogress]

Wouldn’t be shocked to learn if they were designed that way. #ws

[linsieryan]

I learned early on that nail polish gives inaccurate stats too.

[claudiajones]

Been working in healthcare for many years and always suspected this and many electronic blood pressure mashines too

[lesselp]

You must establish a baseline reading when you're healthy, then any drop of that number could be a problem. Don't rely on the absolute numbers from a cheap device. A certain amount of intelligence is required.