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# Safety Alert on Pulse Oximeters
- URL: https://www.fdaweb.com/safety-alert-on-pulse-oximeters/
- Published: 2021-02-19T12:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-14T16:47:39.000Z
- Author: David McFarland
- Tags: Devices, #legacy-id-D5148707

FDA has issued a safety alert on the limitations of pulse oximeters. “While pulse oximeters may be useful for estimating blood oxygen levels, these devices have limitations that can result in inaccurate readings,” the agency says. It adds: “Patients with conditions such as Covid-19 should not rely solely on pulse oximeter measurements to monitor their health at home as they are not a substitute for a medical diagnosis by a health care provider.” The alert also identifies several factors that can affect the accuracy of a pulse oximeter reading, including poor circulation, skin pigmentation, skin thickness, skin temperature, tobacco use and fingernail polish.