Determination of Optimal Pulse Oximetry Placement for Skin Tone (DOPPS)

This prospective observational study evaluates the accuracy of pulse oximetry measurements across different monitoring sites and skin tones. Prior research has raised concerns regarding the performance of pulse oximeters in patients with darker skin pigmentation, highlighting the need for a standardized assessment of device accuracy across diverse patient populations.

The study will enroll participants between October 2025 and October 2027 and will compare pulse oximetry readings obtained from different anatomical locations using a standardized skin tone scale. Data will be collected to assess whether measurement accuracy varies by monitoring site and skin tone.

The primary objective is to identify the optimal pulse oximeter placement site for patients with darker skin tones. The secondary objective is to evaluate variability in pulse oximetry performance across different monitoring sites and skin tone categories. Findings from this study may help inform best practices for pulse oximeter use and improve the reliability of oxygen saturation monitoring across diverse patient populations.