Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Experts urge review of suitable pulse oximetry products for BME people in England

Experts urge review of suitable pulse oximetry products for BME people in England

THE independent NHS Race and Health Observatory has called for an urgent review of suitable pulse oximetry products for ethnic minority people in England including those products used in medical settings.

The accuracy of Pulse Oximeter readings from black and minority ethnic (BME) people could be seriously misleading, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, and need further assessment, a review has said.


In addressing concerns for black and minority ethnic patients at greater risk from Covid-19 who self-administer tests at home, the Observatory points to disparities and limitations.

According to the review, treatment could also be delayed by individuals over-relying on physical descriptions within the product guidance of pulse oximeters as general terms such as ‘pale’, ‘blotchy skin’ or skin or lips ‘going ‘blue’, will not typically apply to BME people.

The review, carried out on behalf of the Observatory, was led by Olamide Dada from Cardiff University School of Medicine.

In 2017, Olamide also founded the charity, Melanin Medics, which seeks to promote diversity in medicine.

Olamide Dada said: “As this review clearly shows, more evidence is needed to examine the effectiveness of pulse oximeters for all patients. It is essential that clinicians and carers have full knowledge of diverse clinical signs when observing ethnic minority patients at risk of Covid-19, and particularly those using home devices.

“More detailed analysis is needed to help determine the reliance on, and future development of, pulse oximetry devices going forward.”

Pulse Oximeters test the level of oxygen in a person’s blood by attaching a clip like device to a person’s finger, toe, or earlobe, sending a beam of light through the body to measure and diagnose lower than normal blood oxygen levels.

The research review dating back to 1990, highlights inaccurate and ambiguous readings when factoring those with darker pigmentation and skin tones from a comprehensive stock-take of available research.

The majority of oximeters have been developed based on studies measuring oxygen levels in Caucasian and light-skinned individuals.

Dr Huzaifa Adamali, respiratory consultant at North Bristol NHS trust said: "Healthcare professionals are increasingly reliant on the pulse oximeter to detect early deterioration and inform clinical decision-making including commencement of oxygen therapy. Although a valuable clinical tool, we are becoming increasingly aware of its potential limitations and errors of interpretation. Skin pigmentation may influence the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings.”

Analysis from a recent 2020 Michigan University study found pulse oximeter readings of blood oxygen levels were three times more likely to be inaccurate among African-American patients, there has been limited widescale trials in the UK.

Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “At this pivotal time, we cannot afford to overlook this rapid review and the recommendations for action which can prevent late hospital admissions and help improve the health of black and minority ethnic people at risk or recovering from Covid-19.

“This review has stressed the need to ensure healthcare equipment and devices are culturally competent and sensitive, whilst not contributing to the array of current and historic health inequalities.”

Royal Pharmaceutical Society director for England, Ravi Sharma, said: "This review exposes an area of health inequality where one treatment may yield more effective results for one group of patients over another, this is not acceptable and needs to be urgently addressed.

Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who use pulse oximeters in their practice or provide them to the public should take ethnicity into account when considering their effectiveness in users"

More For You

Andrew Tate Sued by Ex-Girlfriend Brianna Stern Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Tate’s attorney, Joseph McBride, has dismissed the lawsuit

Getty

Andrew Tate faces sexual assault lawsuit from ex-girlfriend Brianna Stern

Social media personality Andrew Tate is facing a new lawsuit from his ex-girlfriend, Brianna Stern, who has accused him of sexual assault, battery, and gender violence. The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, details allegations of abuse and an incident that allegedly took place at The Beverly Hills Hotel on 11 March 2025.

Allegations in the lawsuit

According to the legal complaint, Stern claims that Tate initially appeared as a "dream come true" but later became emotionally and physically abusive. The lawsuit describes a violent encounter at the hotel, where she alleges Tate physically assaulted and threatened her.

Keep ReadingShow less
Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Soumik Datta (R) and Gurdain Singh Rayatt

Voices of Faith 2025: A journey through spirituality and wisdom

Mahesh Liloriya

The inaugural edition of Voices of Faith commenced on Friday at the iconic Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, marking the beginning of an extraordinary three-day festival exploring theological philosophies, interfaith dialogues, and the deeper essence of spirituality through conversations, music, and healing vibes.

Organised by Teamwork Arts, the creators of the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF) and JLF London, Voices of Faith is presented by the Kamini and Vindi Banga Family Trust, with the support of Tech Mahindra. Eastern Eye and Garavi Gujarat serve as the official media partners of this landmark event. This unique festival seeks to offer insights into navigating the complexities of modern life through the timeless wisdom enshrined in global religious traditions. It focuses on the universal ideals of compassion and interconnectedness that underpin the world’s faiths, fostering dialogue that transcends barriers and deepens mutual understanding.

Keep ReadingShow less
Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain (Photo for representation: iStock)

Court reopens Asian child sex offender's deportation case

A PAKISTANI man convicted of sexually assaulting a child under 13 will face a fresh deportation hearing after the Home Office successfully challenged a ruling that allowed him to remain in Britain, reported The Times.

The offender, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had initially won his case to stay in the UK after claiming he would face "inhuman or degrading treatment" if sent back to Pakistan due to his alcoholism.

Keep ReadingShow less
India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

Rescue teams work to save residents trapped under the rubble of the destroyed Sky Villa Condominium development in Mandalay on March 29, 2025. (Photo by SAI AUNG MAIN/AFP via Getty Images)

India launches Operation Brahma to aid quake-hit Myanmar

INDIA has swiftly responded to the devastating earthquake in Myanmar by launching Operation Brahma, sending emergency relief and rescue teams to the disaster-stricken nation.

A C-130J military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force landed in Yangon on Saturday (29), carrying 15 tonnes of relief supplies including hygiene kits, blankets and food parcels. The aid mission comes after a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar on Friday (28), killing more than 1,000 people and injuring nearly 2,400 others.

Keep ReadingShow less
Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

Pakistan stands at 109th place out of 147 countries

Britain’s happiness crisis: UK hits record low in global wellbeing rankings

THE UK has experienced a significant blow to its national morale, plummeting to 23rd place in the World Happiness Report for 2025 – its lowest ranking ever – despite being the world’s sixth richest nation.

Released to mark the UN’s International Day of Happiness last Thursday (20), the report provided a nuanced exploration of national contentment that extends far beyond economic measurements.

Keep ReadingShow less