Broad linewidth sources result in a skin-tone bias in non-invasive optical measurement of oxygen saturation
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Clinical evidence suggests that pulse oximeters overestimate arterial oxygen saturation in patients with darker skin tones. This letter addresses whether the emission of broad linewidth Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) could explain this melanin dependent bias. Using a hybrid diffusion theory and Monte Carlo model, we simulated pulse oximetry measurements across varying melanin concentrations and source bandwidths. Results indicate that calibration curves depend on melanin when using broad linewidth LEDs but do not depend on melanin for monochromatic Laser Diodes (LDs). Therefore, adopting LD based oximeters could resolve this bias in agreement with conclusions of previous experimental work.
Authors: Giles Blaney, Sergio Fantini
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7142326109