FDA-funded study of pulse oximeter accuracy yields surprising and confusing results Paper contradicts past research findings that the devices overestimated oxygen levels when used on darker skin

https://www.statnews.com/2026/01/12/pulse-oximeter-study-accuracy-on-dark-skin/ By Anil OzaJan. 12, 2026 General Assignment Reporter A confusing new entry to the pulse oximeter saga Dedicated STAT readers know there’s long been a concern, backed by research, that pulse oximeters could be contributing to racial health disparities. The small devices, which clip onto a patient’s finger to measure oxygen levels, seem to be less accurate on people with darker skin. But manufacturers have been slow to get to the bottom of the problem. A long-awaited study commissioned by the FDA was meant to generate prospective data to answer lingering questions. But as STAT’s Anil Oza reports, the initial findings only made things more confusing. While previous research found that the devices overestimated oxygen levels for darker skin tones, this study found the opposite. Read more from Anil on the details, why the difference matters, and what might come next.