Can we trust the pulse oximeter?

Pulse oximetry is a monitoring technique used for all patients undergoing intravenous and advanced technique sedation for dental procedures in the UK. In the spring of 2020, pulse oximeters became part of everyday language, as their role in identifying lowered oxygen saturations as a sign of illness in patients with COVID-19 became ubiquitous. By the autumn, however, concerns were raised regarding the accuracy of the oxygen saturation readings for people with darker skin. This led to the launch of a government review into the possibility of racial bias associated with pulse oximetry readings and an MHRA update alerting practitioners to the possibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]