TGA warns against ‘over-reliance’ on pulse oximetry with COVID-19
Patients need to understand the limitations of the devices and the need for a doctor to interpret their full clinical picture
The TGA is warning pulse oximeters may miss hypoxia in darker-skinned patients with COVID-19 managed at home, with GPs reminded to base treatment decisions on serial readings.
As tens of thousands of Australians manage their COVID-19 at home, many under the care of their GP or self-monitoring, pharmacists have been reporting a surge in sales of pulse oximeters.
Authorities are also providing the devices to patients at risk of becoming seriously ill.
But in a medical device safety update issued on Monday, the TGA warned “over-reliance on pulse oximeters could lead to suboptimal management of patients whose oxygen levels are below normal”.
