The MHRA has warned that pulse oxygen monitors, devices designed to spot early signs of dangerous falls in oxygen levels in COVID patients, are less effective on those with darker skin.
The device beams light through the blood and skin pigmentation can impact how the light is absorbed.
NHS England is issuing updated guidance, advising patients from black, Asian and other ethnic minority groups to continue using pulse oximeters, but to seek advice from a healthcare professional.
An NHS Health and Race Observatory report published in March recommended that the MHRA should carry out an urgent review into the use of pulse oximeters.
The devices have been used increasingly during the coronavirus pandemic, both in hospital and within the community.
In cases of COVID-19, oxygen levels can drop to dangerous levels without the patient noticing, this is called silent hypoxia.
Dr Habib Naqvi, director of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, said: “Although a valuable clinical tool, clinicians are increasingly becoming aware of the potential errors or inconsistencies associated with pulse oximeters, so we need to have this in mind when using the devices.”
Figures show that people from black, Asian and other ethnic minority groups are more likely to get coronavirus, and become seriously unwell or die from it.
Experts believe the potential inaccuracies in pulse oximeters may be a contributing factor to this.
Dr Naqvi went on to say: “We need to ensure there is common knowledge on potential limitations in healthcare equipment and devices, particularly for populations at heightened risk of life-changing illness, this includes black, Asian and diverse communities using pulse oximeters to monitor their oxygen levels at home”.
Kat Jenkins
This is a syndicated feed from Pharmafile
