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 Pulse ox in resource-limited settings

How many operating rooms around the world lack access to pulse oximetry?

Recent studies using data from 54 countries have shown that about 77,700 operating rooms worldwide do not have pulse oximeters. When accounting for other clinical practice settings such as post-op recovery units and intensive care units, the ‘oximetry gap’ is likely much greater. Barriers to access include cost, supply chain, and incorporation into local practice guidelines.

References: Funk et al, Lancet 2010; Gibbs et al, What is the real oximeter gap?, Anaesthesia, 2017

Keywords: access, operating rooms, equipment

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Healthy Human Performance Tests

To meet ISO standards (80601-2-61) or 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 ‘disputed’ 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) get labeled as ‘verified’