Smartphones Enhance Pulse Oximeter Accuracy for Diverse Skin Tones

In an innovative approach to addressing racial bias in medical diagnostics, researchers from Brown University and Morgan State University have developed a technique utilizing smartphone cameras to measure skin tones more accurately. This study, published in the 2025 edition of *Biophotonics Discovery*, offers a potential solution to the known inaccuracies of pulse oximeters, which have been shown to overestimate oxygen saturation levels in individuals with darker skin tones, leading to misdiagnoses and inadequate treatment.

Pulse oximeters, which are widely used in clinical settings to monitor oxygen levels, often rely on light absorption through the skin—a process that can be significantly affected by pigmentation. According to Dr. J. A. Burrow, a lead author of the study, “the existing medical tools fail to account for the variability in skin tones, which can lead to dangerous oversights in patient care.” The research highlights that instead of using race as a rough proxy for skin tone, a direct measurement method can provide a more accurate assessment.

The researchers' technique involves capturing color data from typical pulse oximeter sites, such as the fingers, using smartphone cameras. An algorithm is then applied to compute a standardized skin-tone value known as the Individual Typology Angle (ITA). In controlled conditions, the smartphone measurements yielded results comparable to those obtained from professional-grade colorimeters, which are the gold standard in skin tone analysis. The optimal conditions for this method included turning off both the camera flash and room lights while adjusting the phone to a specific exposure level.

Dr. Angela Smith, a professor of Biomedical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, commented on the implications of this research, stating, “This smartphone-based method could democratize access to accurate medical assessments, particularly in underserved communities where traditional diagnostic tools may be lacking.” Furthermore, the study emphasizes the necessity for setting better clinical standards and practices surrounding skin tone evaluation.

Although the study was limited to a small group of young adults, the implications of this research could be profound. If validated in broader and more diverse populations, this smartphone application could pave the way for more equitable healthcare, ensuring that all patients receive the accurate care they deserve, regardless of their skin tone.

The authors recommended guidelines for clinical settings adopting this technology, such as avoiding measurements over tattoos or scars and maintaining a consistent distance from the skin during the assessment. This research represents a significant step forward in utilizing everyday technology to improve health outcomes and address longstanding issues of inequality in medical care.

In conclusion, as the medical community becomes increasingly aware of the biases inherent in traditional diagnostic tools, advancements such as this smartphone-based method hold promise for enhancing the accuracy of medical assessments across diverse populations. Future research should focus on validating these findings in real-world clinical environments, ensuring that this innovative approach can be effectively implemented in healthcare practices worldwide.