Britain's state-run healthcare service warned on Saturday that devices used by people with Covid-19 to monitor blood-oxygen levels at home may give inaccurate readings for people with darker skin. The warning concerned pulse oximeters, currently being used by many of those at risk of severe Covid-19 symptoms to check their blood-oxygen levels. The NHS, the UK state-funded health service, supplies them to those with virus symptoms, aged over 65 or clinically vulnerable. The devices, clipped on to a finger, work by shining a light through a person's skin to measure the level of oxygen in the blood. Updated guidance for virus sufferers on the main NHS website now warns:There have been some reports they may be less accurate if you have brown or black skin.

Source: News 24 July 31, 2021 17:15 UTC