Pulse Oximetry FAQ

This FAQ has been compiled by our team of experts. Please submit your questions at the bottom of this page!

Pulse Oximetry FAQ Causes of inaccuracies

Are low cost oximeters less accurate?

Studies have shown that many low-cost pulse oximeters demonstrate highly inaccurate readings. However, some low-cost pulse oximeters have performed with similar accuracy to more expensive devices when used in healthy subjects. Please see our oximeter database for performance information on many low cost oximeters.

References: Lipnick et al, Anesth Analg 2016

Keywords: low-cost, low cost, cheap, inaccurate

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Healthy Human Performance Tests

To meet 2017 ISO standards (80601-2-61) or 2013 FDA guideline adherence for clinical use, pulse oximeter performance must be tested in healthy humans in a laboratory setting. Independent device testing for the Open Oximetry Project follows our protocol consistent with ISO and FDA. Only devices labeled as ‘verified’ or ‘failed’ have been independently tested by the Open Oximetry Project.
All other devices listed show data from manufacturers or published literature and have not been confirmed by the Open Oximetry team. Scoring criteria will be modified based on evolving data on this topic. See the table below for scoring criteria for this category:

No Data

1 (red)

>4%

2 (red)

<4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for dark skin color of >4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for PI<1 in dark or light skin color of >4%

3 (yellow)

<4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for dark skin color of 3-4%

AND/OR Data suggesting Arms for PI<1 in dark or light skin color of 3-4%

4 (green)

<3%

AND No data for or against performance problems in darker skin colors

AND No data for or against performance problems in low perfusion

5 (green)

<3%

AND Extended testing beyond ISO/FDA recommendations Criteria TBD April 2023

* only independently tested devices by OpenOximetry (Hypoxia Lab and Clinimark Lab) get labeled as ‘verified’