COVID-19 broadened the use of pulse oximeters for rapid blood-oxygen readings, but it also highlighted the fact that skin pigmentation alters measurements. Two groups of researchers analyse this issue, and its effects on people with dark skin.

A Monte Carlo-based framework used previously to investigate racial bias in pulse oximetry evaluated the influence of calibration population demographics on transcutaneous bilirubinometer accuracy in dark-skinned groups. Results support further evaluation of calibration study design.