Can a Melanin-Sensing oximeter end hidden oxygen reading bias?
NCT ID NCT05995613
First seen Aug 14, 2026 ยท Last updated Aug 14, 2026
Summary
This trial tests a new wearable device, MABOS, that aims to adjust blood oxygen readings based on skin melanin levels. Standard pulse oximeters can be less accurate on darker skin, and this study enrolls healthy adults with diverse skin tones to see if MABOS is safe, comfortable, and able to estimate melanin and oxygen. Participants wear both MABOS and a standard oximeter while performing breathing exercises, and their skin is monitored for irritation. The goal is to gather early evidence on whether this approach could improve oxygen monitoring for people of color.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only โ not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- A novel wearable pulse oximeter (MABOS) that measures blood oxygen and skin melanin, compared to a standard FDA-approved pulse oximeter.
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could lead to more accurate blood oxygen monitoring for people with darker skin, reducing hidden risks from inaccurate readings.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small feasibility study focused on safety and basic function, not proof of accuracy. The device may not perform better than existing monitors.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514, United States
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