Pulse oximeters may be less accurate on darker skin – study investigates
NCT ID NCT07415187
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at whether pulse oximeters, which measure blood oxygen through the skin, are less accurate in people with darker skin. Researchers will compare readings from two common oximeters with oxygen levels measured directly from blood in 194 hospital patients. The goal is to understand if skin tone affects accuracy and to help make these devices safer 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 this study finds clear differences, it could lead to better pulse oximeters that work accurately for all skin tones, improving patient safety.
- What could go wrong
- This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. It only measures accuracy and won't directly fix any problems found. Results may not apply to all devices or settings.
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.
- Participants
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About 194 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Apr 2023
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
Who is studied
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
- Ages
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18 years and older
- 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.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
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
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Get notified about this study
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Rush University Medical Center
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60607, United States