Investigating how skin color affects pulse oximeter accuracy in children
Official title: Evaluating the relationship between skin color and pulse oximeter accuracy in children
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11002312 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how well pulse oximeters, which check blood oxygen levels, work for kids with different skin colors during a heart procedure, to make sure all children get the best care possible.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $450,924 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL171313-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11002312 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 18 years old who are scheduled for cardiac catheterization.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not undergoing cardiac catheterization or are over 18 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to understand how the accuracy of pulse oximeters, which are crucial for monitoring blood oxygen levels in children, may vary based on skin color. The study will involve children under 18 years old who are undergoing cardiac catheterization, a procedure that requires precise monitoring of oxygen saturation. By using objective measures of skin color, the researchers hope to identify any discrepancies in pulse oximeter readings, particularly for children with darker skin tones. The findings could lead to improved clinical practices and policies regarding the use of pulse oximeters in pediatric care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate monitoring of blood oxygen levels in children, particularly those with darker skin, improving their overall care and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have indicated potential inaccuracies in pulse oximeter readings based on skin color, but this research specifically focuses on children, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruppel, Halley — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Ruppel, Halley
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.