Work

Evaluation of skin pigmentation effect on photoplethysmography signals using a vascular finger phantom with tunable optical and mechanical properties

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Significance: Photoplethysmography (PPG) is a widely used optical technique for the noninvasive monitoring of cardiovascular parameters. However, its accuracy may be affected by variations in skin pigmentation due to the strong absorption properties of melanin, particularly at visible wavelengths. Aim: We aimed to investigate how skin tone influences PPG signal signals by developing a pulsatile vascular finger phantom with interchangeable skin layers, characterizing their optical properties across green, red, and infrared wavelengths and evaluating their impact on PPG signal features. Approach: cardiovascular system. Signal features, including signal-to-noise ratio, peak-to-peak amplitude, and area under the curve, were analyzed. Results: ) between skin tones, with signal degradation increasing with skin pigmentation. Conclusions: models to assess optical sensing performance across diverse skin tones.

Source: Journal of Biomedical Optics

DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.30.11.117002

Authors: Laura Osorio-Sanchez, James M. May, Panicos Kyriacou

Institution: City St George's, University of London

Language: English

Topic: Non-Invasive Vital Sign Monitoring

Subfield: Biomedical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,675