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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Matthew Perrone

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

Blood Devices Skin Tones - (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Makers of medical devices that quickly measure oxygen levels in the blood would have to gather extra data to show that their products work for patients of color, under a new federal proposal released Monday.

The Food and Drug Administration's recommendations apply to pulse oximeters, which are clip-on devices used in hospitals and medical clinics to ensure patients are getting enough oxygen. The FDA said it wants companies to conduct larger studies and include more patients from different racial groups.

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