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Health

elleng

(139,056 posts) Sat Dec 17, 2022, 07:23 PM Dec 2022

Pulse Oximeter Accuracy and Limitations: FDA Safety Communication

Just heard, on PBS, instrument may not create accurate measurement for people of color.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/pulse-oximeter-accuracy-and-limitations-fda-safety-communication

5 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Pulse Oximeter Accuracy and Limitations: FDA Safety Communication (Original Post) elleng Dec 2022 OP

or if you have those (......) long long fake nails hlthe2b Dec 2022 #1

If you have poor circulation in hands... FarPoint Dec 2022 #3

Thanks for posting this article. -nt CrispyQ Dec 2022 #2

I see why Timewas Dec 2022 #4

If I Rebl2 Dec 2022 #5

hlthe2b

(108,995 posts)

1. or if you have those (......) long long fake nails

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Sat Dec 17, 2022, 07:36 PM

Dec 2022

(I'm not a fan, but I'll leave the ..... ) to the imagination.

Still, it can be a valuable tool. Remember though if you live at high altitudes, a NORMAL value for PO2 will be lower than at sea level.

FarPoint

(13,888 posts)

3. If you have poor circulation in hands...

Reply to hlthe2b (Reply #1)

Sat Dec 17, 2022, 07:58 PM

Dec 2022

cool fingers...it will reflect a lower reading....It's just a handy cheap tool...One needs to assess the lungs, heart as well...

CrispyQ

(39,383 posts)

2. Thanks for posting this article. -nt

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Sat Dec 17, 2022, 07:44 PM

Dec 2022

Timewas

(2,401 posts)

4. I see why

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Sat Dec 17, 2022, 08:31 PM

Dec 2022

If oyu have even heavy callouses or dirt on the finger you use it will not be accurate. It depends on a pulse of light...

Rebl2

(16,033 posts)

5. If I

Reply to elleng (Original post)

Sat Dec 17, 2022, 09:44 PM

Dec 2022

have cold fingers it won’t measure mine. Usually have to warm them up before I try to use the pulse oximeter.

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