COVID-19: Machines used to monitor coronavirus patients may have racial bias

All the pulse oximeters at my work have been sent off on diversity courses.

a reply to: gortex

I have a oximeter, and the info sheet that come with it has a huge number of caveats about its use!

It includes the point in trying on a different finger, but doesn't mention skin colour.

I was aware before I bought it of the known problem of some skin colours, and this made sense to me because of how they work.

To make them work correctly in all conditions will probably make them a lot more expensive.

The info sheet is adamant that you do not take unusual readings at face value, but to get a professional opinion.

originally posted by: gortex
a reply to: OccamsRazor04

I guess it would be a software fix , from what I read machines are thought to be reporting higher levels of Oxygen due to the pigmentation

it should be showing lower because of pigmentation.
as a darker skin will lets less light through.

Repackage the same machines as “made for darker skin tones”. Sell for same price. Problem solved.