Racial Disparities Exist in Pulse Oximeter Readings

July 13, 2022 - A JAMA Network study found racial disparities exist when delivering supplemental oxygen, mainly because of poor pulse oximeter performance among Asian, Black, and Hispanic users.

During the process of transcutaneous monitoring of blood oxygenation, pulse oximetry has the tendency to supply inaccurate oxygenation readings, particularly among racial minorities.

To find more information, researchers conducted a retrospective cohort study that included data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care. The study included 3,069 patients, 83 of whom were Asian, 207 were Black, 112 were Hispanic, and 2,667 were White.

Researchers used the time-weighted average supplemental oxygen rate to determine conclusions. Based on the obtained data, researchers found that Asian, Black, and Hispanic patients had higher pulse oximetry levels and received less supplemental oxygen.

The comparison of pulse oximetry and average hemoglobin oxygen saturation revealed that data based on race did not influence oxygen delivery rate.

However, based on the delivery of supplemental oxygen, researchers concluded that racial disparities exist due to differences in pulse oximeter performance. This conclusion indicates the need for data collection changes and attention when assessing the information that tools provide.

Similar to this study, many from the past have also indicated the presence of racial and ethnic disparities when treating various conditions.

For example, a study published in Annals of Emergency Medicine in June 2022 reported that racial minorities and women faced disparities when obtaining heart attack treatment. Researchers made this conclusion following the data analysis from patients who faced one of two types of heart attack, using various factors to determine that White patients were more likely to receive timely care and were at a lower risk of death.

Another study from June 2022 reported that racial and ethnic minorities often had lower access to cancer care and treatment methods such as immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a modern cancer treatment method proven to be highly successful when dealing with advanced-stage liver cancer. Research showed that White and Asian patients were more likely to engage in this type of care.

Research from May 2022 noted many racial maternal health disparities, particularly in hypertension and preeclampsia. According to research, hypertension and preeclampsia exist among pregnant women and are more present in Black people. Due to this finding, researchers suggested that organizations take action to eliminate disparities through screening and intervention.