Introduction: Verification Defines Trust in Pulse Oximetry Pulse oximeters are among the most widely used physiological monitoring devices—found in hospitals worldwide. Yet, behind every reliable SpO₂ reading lies a complex scientific process: verification against reference standards . Pulse oximeter verification studies (or pivotal studies) confirm how closely a device’s functional oxygen saturation (SpO₂) values align with the true arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), measure

The Hidden Measurement Problem Behind COVID-19 Hypoxia   During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, clinicians encountered a puzzling trend: individuals with dangerously low arterial oxygen levels often appeared clinically stable and comfortable. While “silent” or “happy” hypoxia drew headlines, an equally critical issue— occult hypoxemia —posed a more subtle risk.  Occult hypoxemia  occurs when pulse oximetry readings overestimate true arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), mas

The Growing Importance of Precision in Oxygen Monitoring   From hospital wards to fitness wearables, pulse oximeters  have become indispensable tools for noninvasively measuring blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Yet the accuracy of these devices, particularly across diverse skin tones and environmental conditions, has come under scrutiny in recent years.  As regulatory bodies and clinical researchers call for more inclusive and transparent validation, the need for a specialized

A Persistent Problem Hidden in Plain Sight   For decades, pulse oximetry has served as a cornerstone of clinical monitoring—offering a quick, noninvasive estimate of blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Yet, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a long-standing and underappreciated flaw: pulse oximeters can overestimate oxygen levels in individuals with darker skin pigmentation .  Inaccurate SpO₂ readings may mask hypoxemia , delay treatment decisions, and contribute to existing health di

Introduction: A New Standard on the Horizon   On January 6, 2025 , the FDA released a draft guidance  titled Pulse Oximeters for Medical Purposes: Non-Clinical and Clinical Performance Testing, Labeling, and Premarket Submission Recommendations . This draft guidance updates and expands upon earlier 510(k) and performance expectations for pulse oximeters, placing renewed emphasis on accuracy across skin pigmentation  and non-disparate performance .   Crucially, the draft does

Developing and validating physiological monitoring devices requires more than engineering excellence. The reliability of study...

Why Accuracy in Oxygen Monitoring Matters   Pulse oximeters are among the most widely used medical devices in hospitals, clinics, and...

For developers of pulse oximeters, respiratory monitors, and other physiological sensors, validating device performance under reduced...