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Author: Conn Hastings/ University of Texas at Arlington

WebPage: https://www.medgadget.com/2022/11/device-measures-hemoglobin-more-accurately-in-dark-skin.html

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Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington, in collaboration with Shani Biotechnologies, a local firm, have created a point-of-care device that can accurately measure hemoglobin levels and perform pulse oximetry in individuals with dark skin. At present, methods to determine hemoglobin levels at the point of care, such as pulse oximetry, are inaccurate in individuals with higher levels of melanin in their skin, and there is a clear need to develop alternatives that work for everyone. Instead of the red-infrared light used by common pulse oximeters, this new device relies on a blue-green light in addition to assessing skin tone and using algorithms when calculating hemoglobin levels and oxygen saturation.

Pulse-oximeters are a very useful way to determine how much oxygen the hemoglobin in your blood is carrying. For those with potentially serious respiratory diseases, such as COVID-19, the readings can indicate if a dangerous exacerbation is occurring and can be the decider as to whether a patient requires urgent treatment.

Unlike conventional approaches to determining blood hemoglobin levels, which require expensive equipment and blood draws, a major advantage of pulse oximeters is their affordability and portability, allowing point-of-care measurements. The device shines light through the skin, typically a finger or ear-lobe, and then calculates how much light was absorbed to infer the degree of blood oxygenation.

Despite its utility, this technology does not work perfectly for everyone. In fact, pulse oximeters can be unacceptably inaccurate in those with dark skin, highlighting the need for more universal solutions. In an effort to develop a better alternative, these researchers have created a new type of device that can measure and account for skin tone.

The new technology uses light emitting diodes (LEDs) with wavelengths ranging from 520-580 nm, placing the light in the green/blue area of the spectrum. This contrasts with the red-infrared light used in conventional pulse oximeters. The system also assess skin tone using the Von Luschan Chromatic Scale, and then employs algorithms to account for the level of melanin detected.

"We have used the green-blue light and have successfully tested the device in preclinical and clinical studies," said Vinoop Daggubati, a researcher involved in the study. "Our group has addressed the issues around shorter wavelength, scattering of light and the impact of skin melanin. The scientific community should open its mind to the concept of green light for these measurements. The Shani device has huge potential to eliminate this racial disparity."

Study in BMJ Innovations: Innovative technology to eliminate the racial bias in non-invasive, point-of-care (POC) haemoglobin and pulse oximetry measurements

Via: University of Texas at Arlington

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Device Measures Hemoglobin More Accurately in Dark Skin |

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Researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington, in collaboration with Shani Biotechnologies, a local firm, have created a point-of-care device that can accurately measure hemoglobin levels and perform pulse oximetry in individuals with dark skin.

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There are many racial disparities within the healthcare system; this current innovation is a step in a positive direction to help close that gap. It is a proven fact that light penetrates darker colors at a lesser rate than lighter colors. "reflectance decreased for darker skin with a greater decrease for red light than near-infrared light (Barros et al,. 2017)." There is one piece of equipment that is used at the point of care routinely and we as medical staff depend on its accuracy for proper treatment for our patients; Pulse oximeters! It has been determined that the red light emitting from current pulse oximeters does not provide accurate readings when applied to melanated skin. This current innovation has revamped this very important bedside tool in an effort to provide equal monitoring to all patients. "Instead of the red-infrared light used by common pulse oximeters, this new device relies on a blue-green light in addition to assessing skin tone and using algorithms when calculating hemoglobin levels and oxygen saturation(Hastings, 2022)". This innovation has huge potential to eliminate this racial disparity, especially since its use is necessary for very common illness ie. COPD, Covid-19, and Asthma exacerbation to name a few.

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How To Use A Pulse Oximeter Correctly | Medicover Hospitals

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The proper monitoring of a patient's oxygenation status is important, especially with the many known potentially serious respiratory diseases. The color of one's skin should not be a reason for subpar monitoring or the reason a person is subjected to invasive measures such as multiple ABG blood draws to attain adequate monitoring. Every patient should be afforded the same conveniences regardless of their skin color. Creating ways to help decrease the racial disparities in an already biased healthcare system is necessary.

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As the strategic team member, Sheila would be expected to guide the group when at a standstill. Sheila will help act as the final decision maker.

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A team worker with consistency may be able to identify disparities amongst many groups of people. By identifying such factors we once again have the opportunity to pin point areas for improvement.

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In healthcare there are always patterns; some patterns are positive while some are negative. Having a team member who is capable of analyzing and following these trends, they are able to provide us with what faults or gaps in the system need to change so that if able we can create the technology to induce positive trends.

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November 11,2022

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As with everything in life, the question is always "what's next"?
Having a forward thinker will always keep the group one step ahead of the trends; always question what can we create to make what we currently have even better.

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Carter – Communication
Carlee – Consistency
Izzie - Input
Faith – Futuristic
Sheila - Strategic

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Hastings, C. (2022, November 11). Device Measures Hemoglobin More Accurately in Dark Skin |. Medgadget. https://www.medgadget.com/2022/11/device-measures-hemoglobin-more-accurately-in-dark-skin.html

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Souza-Barros, L., Dhaidan, G., Maunula, M., Solomon, V., Gabison, S., Lilge, L., & Nussbaum, E. L. (2018). Skin color and tissue thickness effects on transmittance, reflectance, and skin temperature when using 635 and 808 nm lasers in low intensity therapeutics. Lasers in surgery and medicine, 50(4), 291–301. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22760

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PRO'S
- Adequate monitoring
-Prompt and proper treatment
-Less need for ABGs

CON'S
- Possible mixing of equipment

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Carter was chosen to act as the salesperson within the team. Though one may come up with a brilliant idea, its necessity may not be a top priority to those running the hospital system. Having a team member who is able to influence a company to try new technology with the hopes that it will improve patient care and the patient experience is a must.

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-Harmony
-Empathy
-Individualization
- Connectedness
-Positivity
My strengths as a team member are significant as a leader. My ability to bring different types of people together and guide them to work as a unit even while encouraging their individuality strengths.