Pulse oximeters may misread oxygen levels in people of color. The FDA wants to change that

Federal health officials are proposing changes to make sure medical devices that measure oxygen levels are working for patients of color. The Food and Drug Administration issued recommendations Monday after years of concern that pulse oximeters can give faulty readings in Black patients and other racial groups. Those concerns came to prominence during COVID-19, when several studies suggested the devices could lead to delayed care for patients with darker skin. The FDA is proposing companies conduct larger studies with more patients of different skin tones to show their device are working appropriately.