Facing Health Disparities

Did you know?

Health disparities can emerge when it comes to lab testing and medical equipment.

▪ The pulse oximeter that is placed on a patient’s finger to check their level of oxygenation may not be accurate in some patients. It was not tested for different skin tones during its development.

As a result, the readings for those with darker skin tones may read at a higher level than is accurately the case. An example of the repercussions….. during the COVID-19 pandemic, this inaccuracy meant that some people were not hospitalized or did not receive oxygen or intubation in a timely fashion. As a result, some did not receive the care they needed as quickly as needed, and in some instances died.

▪ The calculation used in certain kidney function tests have historically and unnecessarily been adjusted for race with regard to the normal range. As a result, kidney function can appear better than it actually is in Black patients. The result? Patients not receiving the care they need in a timely fashion, including meeting the criteria fo rdialysis and kidney transplant, thereby delaying the start of dialysis or leaving some on dialysis longer than would have been needed or dying before a transplant is received. Patients may also receive the wrong dose of medications which need to be adjusted based on kidney function.