The problem with pulse oximeters your doctor probably doesn’t know about
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The doctors and nurses didn’t believe Tomisa Starr was having trouble breathing. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. Two years ago, Starr, 61, of Sacramento, California, was in the hospital for a spike in her blood pressure. She has multiple chronic health problems, including heart failure, and uses an oxygen tank at home.
AI Summary
Main Idea: The FDA is pushing new testing rules for pulse oximeters after long-running evidence that the devices can give falsely reassuring readings for Black patients like Tomisa Starr.
Key Points:
- Pulse oximeters estimate blood oxygen by shining light through a fingertip, but skin pigment can affect the result.
- Studies over decades, including work from the University of Michigan during the pandemic, found the devices often read higher on darker skin than they should.
- The FDA has now issued draft guidance asking makers of medical pulse oximeters to test a wider range of skin tones and prove the devices work fairly.
- The problem can affect major care decisions, including whether patients get oxygen, hospital treatment, or even qualify for advanced heart care.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Wrong pulse oximeter readings can make Black and brown patients seem healthier than they are, leading to missed oxygen treatment and worse care.
Positive Impact
FDA testing rules and warning labels could make pulse oximeters safer and more accurate for more patients.
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Candidate Entities9 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- Food and Drug Administrationgovernment agency or bodyPrimaryAI selected
Central regulator taking concrete action by issuing draft guidance on pulse oximeter testing and safety.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dr. Hugh CassierepersonMajorAI selected
Physician and FDA committee head whose comments on racial disparities and support for new guidance are central.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dr. Michelle TarverpersonMajorAI selected
FDA device-center leader quoted on the agency’s measurement standards and guidance, a key official voice in the story.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Tomisa StarrpersonMajorAI selected
Patient whose experience with false readings and denied oxygen is used as the article’s opening and human anchor.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - University of Michiganeducational / research institutionMajorAI selected
Institution where researchers published influential findings that reignited concern about pulse oximeter bias.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dr. Noha AboelatapersonContextCandidate
Founder and chief operating officer of Roots Community Health quoted on how little the issue was discussed in.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - New England Journal of Medicinemedia outletContextCandidate
Prestigious publication where the key study was published and referenced as part of the evidence base.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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