Racial bias in pulse oximeters led to delayed COVID-19 treatment for people of color

Oxygen level readings are less accurate among Asian, Black and Hispanic patients compared with white patients, according to a new study.

By Brenda Ruiz
APTOPIX Virus Outbreak Italy
A nurse adjusts the pulse oximeter of a coronavirus patient, in the intensive care unit of the Casalpalocco COVID-19 hospital in Rome, Thursday, March 18, 2021. Much of Italy is under new lockdown amid a new surge of infections and as its halting vaccination campaign slows down further thanks to the suspension of AstraZeneca shots. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino
APTOPIX Virus Outbreak Italy
A nurse adjusts the pulse oximeter of a coronavirus patient, in the intensive care unit of the Casalpalocco COVID-19 hospital in Rome, Thursday, March 18, 2021. Much of Italy is under new lockdown amid a new surge of infections and as its halting vaccination campaign slows down further thanks to the suspension of AstraZeneca shots. AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

Racial bias in pulse oximeters led to delayed COVID-19 treatment for people of color

Oxygen level readings are less accurate among Asian, Black and Hispanic patients compared with white patients, according to a new study.

By Brenda Ruiz
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A new national study found that a key COVID-19 medical device delayed treatment for people of color.

Reset checks in with an author of the study to learn more about the results and other racially-biased tests in health care.

GUEST: Amanda Bradke, internal medicine doctor at Rush University Medical Center