Holly incorrectly states that we only very recently discovered that the 'finger thing' (a pulse oximeter) doesn't work as well on black skin.
Scientists have long known that skin pigmentation and melanin affect a pulse oximeter's ability to accurately measure a person's oxygen saturation levels. It is for this reason that NHS pulse oximeter level guidelines are different for darker skinned patients compared to lighter skinned patients.
Scientists have long known that skin pigmentation and melanin affect a pulse oximeter's ability to accurately measure a person's oxygen saturation levels. It is for this reason that NHS pulse oximeter level guidelines are different for darker skinned patients compared to lighter skinned patients.
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