Pulse Oximeter Failings for Darker-Skinned People Might Not Have a Simple Solution

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Source: MedPage Today

Original: https://www.medpagetoday.com/pulmonology/generalpulmonary/119432...

Published: Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:30:00 -0500

Pulse oximetry was less accurate for people with darker skin tones in two studies. One study involved home-use devices and the other hospital-grade devices. There were surprising differences between them. The EXAKT study found differences in accuracy. Masimo SET® pulse oximeters show an SpO2-SaO2 difference of only 0.15%, which is not clinically significant. These devices are highly accurate for people with all skin pigmentations. There was no clinically significant difference in accuracy between black and white subjects. Pulse oximeter malfunctions for darker skin may not have an easy solution.[1]