Medical devices like pulse oximeters have long faced scrutiny for their inconsistent accuracy across different skin tones. A new study from Brown University and Morgan State University proposes an innovative solution: using smartphone cameras to objectively measure skin tone. Researchers developed a method that captures skin color data and applies an algorithm to calculate a standardized skin-tone value, known as the individual typology angle (ITA). This approach aims to mitigate racial bias in medical diagnostics by providing a more precise measurement of skin pigmentation, which directly affects the accuracy of pulse oximetry readings.
The study found that smartphone-based skin-tone measurements closely matched those from professional-grade colorimeters when taken under controlled lighting conditions. The best results were achieved when both the camera flash and room lights were turned off, ensuring consistency across different skin tones. By integrating this technique into clinical settings, healthcare providers could improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce disparities in patient care. The researchers also outlined simple guidelines for implementation, such as avoiding measurements over tattoos or scars and maintaining a consistent distance from the skin.
This breakthrough highlights the potential of smartphones as accessible tools for improving medical device accuracy. As concern grows over racial bias in healthcare technology, this study underscores the need for standardized skin-tone assessments in clinical environments. The findings suggest that smartphones could serve as cost-effective alternatives to expensive laboratory equipment, paving the way for more equitable healthcare solutions.
Abstract from Biophotonics Discovery: Smartphone tristimulus colorimetry for skin-tone analysis at common pulse oximetry anatomical sites
