PROJECT 1:

Pulse Oximetry to Account for Variations in the Skin Spectrum

Description:

Traditional pulse oximeters may not accurately detect low blood oxygen levels (hypoxemia) in patients with darker skin, such as Black individuals, compared to White individuals. This may lead to disparate outcomes, such as misdiagnoses or delayed care. This issue arises in how pulse oximeters measure oxygen levels, using a limited set of wavelengths that do not fully account for variations in skin tone. Our project aims to address this issue by integrating a compact spectrometer into the pulse oximeter, allowing it to better account for factors like melanin content that affect skin absorption. By measuring the skin absorption spectrum at a patient’s fingertip, we aim to develop a more accurate and inclusive diagnostic tool for hypoxemia that works for all patients, regardless of skin color.

Faculty Advisors: