Asians cautioned against unreliable pulse oximeter readings
NHS England has published clarification on the potential limitations of pulse oximeters for people with dark or black skin.
Pulse oximeters are used to detect low blood oxygen in conditions for pneumonia, anaemia, lung cancer, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
According to the NHS, “There have been some reports [oximeters] may be less accurate if you have brown or black skin. They may show readings higher than the level of oxygen in your blood.”
Black and Asian patients have been advised to continue using pulse oximeters, but to seek advice from a healthcare professional as well.
In April, the NHS Race and Health Observatory published a rapid review into the accuracy of pulse oximeter readings for people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
Director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, Dr Habib Naqvi, said: “We need to ensure there is common knowledge on potential limitations in healthcare equipment and devices, particularly for populations at heightened risk of life-changing illness. This includes black, Asian diverse communities using pulse oximeters to monitor their oxygen levels at home.”
Ranjit Senghera-Marwaha and her husband Harjeet Marwaha, both of whom contracted Covid-19 last year welcomed the updated guidance.
Ranjit, an NHS Volunteer Responder and Carer, from Birmingham, who suffered from pleurisy, was hospitalised with Covid-19 pneumonia in December 2020.
“I was part of the Imperial College Covid testing study and in September found out I had Covid antibodies. I started doing some online research and bought an oximeter from Amazon as my oxygen levels kept getting lower and lower,” Ranjit said.
“No one ever told me about pulse oximeters. Had I known before I would have been checking my oxygen levels instead of struggling to breathe at home and waiting to see the GP. I had never been offered one nor asked if I had one.”
“I was diagnosed with Covid-19 pneumonia and spent 10 days fighting the virus in hospital and needing oxygen. Having the oximeter reading was a powerful wake up call. Had my readings got much lower than 86, it could have been so much worse.
Harjeet Marwaha recalled calling for an ambulance on Boxing Day and being told by paramedics Ranjit’s oxygen levels were borderline, Ranjit was admitted to hospital the following day after they fell even further.
He added: “These oximeters are simple machines that can really help but people need to know how to use them properly and take into account that the readings may not be 100 percent accurate due to skin tone.
“The risk is that people are sat at home relying on the display and not being aware their oxygen levels could actually be slightly lower than shown. It’s important the community is made aware of these risks.”