Pulse Oximeters are Inherently Biased
In this episode we discuss the origins of pulse oximeters, medical devices that measure oxygen levels, and the unacceptable inaccuracies of readings for people with darker complexions. And we highlight Black researchers in engineering and physics utilizing innovative technology to create equitable pulse oximetry devices.
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Resources
Pulse Oximetry: Uses, Readings, and How It Works – Healthline
Racial bias is built into the design of pulse oximeters – The Washington Post
How a Popular Medical Device Encodes Racial Bias – Boston Review
Pulse Oximeters are Less Accurate in Hospitalized Black Patients – IHPI Brief
COVID-19 made pulse oximeters ubiquitous. Engineers are fixing their racial bias – NPR
Meet the Scientists Who Want to Make Medical Devices Work for Everyone, Finally – Inverse
