Pulse oximeters may be less accurate for darker skin – new study investigates
NCT ID NCT06432881
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at whether skin pigmentation affects how well Masimo pulse oximeters measure oxygen levels. Researchers will compare readings from 152 ICU patients with light and dark skin who have low oxygen levels. The goal is to see if the device works equally well for everyone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could improve pulse oximeter accuracy for people with darker skin, leading to better oxygen monitoring in hospitals.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational device study, not a treatment trial. It may show differences but won't directly change patient care yet.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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461 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Finished
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Jul 2026
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 89 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Subject is 18 years of age or older. * Subject is receiving care in an intensive care unit. * Subject with an arterial catheter in place. * Subject is experiencing hypoxemia as defined by 1) need for supplement oxygen or 2) peripheral oxygenation ≤ 94% on room air Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects in whom pulse oximetry cannot be reliably performed on both the third and fourth digit on the hand ipsilateral to the arterial line, precluding application of the sensor (e.g., amputation and deformity). * Subjects with a skin condition affecting the digits, where the sensor is applied, which would preclude sensor placement as standard of care (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, angioma, scar tissue, burn, fungal infection, substantial skin breakdown, etc.). * Subjects with distinct geographic variances in skin pigmentation (e.g., vitiligo) on the digit where the sensor is applied, which would preclude sensor placement as standard of care. * Subjects with nail polish or acrylic nails on the digits where sensor needs to be applied. * Subjects with known allergic reactions to adhesive tapes. * Subjects with arterial catheter placed in a lower extremity. * Subjects not suitable for the investigation at the discretion of the investigator or the clinical team.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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