How skin tone affects pulse oximeter oxygen readings
Official title: The Impact of Skin Tone on Pulse Oximeter Accuracy
Run by Rush University Medical Center · NCT07415187 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will see if pulse oximeters give different oxygen readings in adults with different skin tones by comparing their readings to arterial blood gas measurements.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 194 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Rush University Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 2027 |
| Study ends | December 2027 |
| Registry record updated | February 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07415187 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults at Rush University Medical Center who already have an arterial blood gas ordered (in the ICU, general wards, or pulmonary clinics) and who can have pulse oximeter sensors placed on a finger are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People who are not having an arterial blood gas, children, or those with heavy finger scarring, significant hand tremor, or nonremovable opaque nail polish are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from participation.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational cohort enrolls adult patients at Rush who are already having an arterial blood gas (ABG) taken as part of routine care. At the moment the ABG sample is obtained, two commercially available pulse oximeters are temporarily placed on a finger to record oxygen saturation values. The oximeter readings will be directly compared with the arterial oxygen saturation from the ABG to measure differences across a range of skin pigmentation. Patients with factors that interfere with finger sensors (heavy scarring, tremor, or nonremovable opaque nail polish) are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could improve pulse oximeter use and help ensure low oxygen levels are detected reliably across different skin tones.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has reported racial and skin-pigmentation differences in pulse oximeter accuracy, so this study builds on existing findings rather than being wholly novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients admitted to an intensive care unit, general medicine/surgery wards, or visiting the pulmonary function labs and/or outpatient pulmonary services clinics at Rush University Medical Center * Patient has an existing order for an arterial blood gas analysis \[arterial line or puncture\] Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with heavy scar tissue on the sensor site * Patients with hand tremors * Opaque nail polish that cannot be removed
Where it's running
-
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Brady Scott, PhD
- Email: jonathan_b_scott@rush.edu
- Phone: 13129426389
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.