In 2022, Noha Aboelata filed a lawsuit against pulse oximeter manufacturers for racial bias in their devices, as they often overestimate blood oxygen levels in darker-skinned patients. The lawsuit led to settlements from companies like Medtronic, who began educating physicians about the issue. Despite this progress, some senators and state attorneys general are urging the FDA to address the problem. While awaiting FDA guidance, experts are hoping for improvements in oximeters that work for all skin tones. The FDA’s delay in updating guidelines has led to frustration among healthcare professionals like Aboelata, who believes more awareness and action are needed for health equity.
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Why pulse oximeters are still inaccurate on darker skin tones
