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by skunkworker 2106 days ago
I'm curious how they can get an accurate blood oxygen reading while not having a sensor on the bottom of the wrist.

If I recall correctly a finger pulse oximeter requires a sensor below the finger which records the absorption of infrared light.

4 comments

Some Garmin watches already have this, Garmin says...

>Accuracy of Wrist-based Pulse Ox

Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox) readings are available for certain Garmin wearables. It can provide an estimation of the user’s peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2%) at any given time the feature is accessed. The feature can also be set to track in a continuous manner during a period while the user is asleep. For certain devices, it can also be used to track periodically throughout the day along with a view of the user’s altitude or elevation.

While every effort is made to ensure a high degree of accuracy, there are certain limitations that can cause inaccurate measurements. The user’s physical characteristics, fit of the device, and presence of ambient light may impact the readings. Garmin may release device software over time to improve aspects of the measurements. The Pulse Ox data is not intended to be used for medical purposes, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

Excessive motion and the position of the device can impact the accuracy of the readings. It is important to keep your arm/sensor still for approximately one minute for best accuracy.

This does work best but the sensor and light source can be on the same side of the skin using light reflected from within. This probably requires more separation between light source and sensor and some clever algorithms to handle different skin tones and ways of wearing the watch.
Garmin watches require you to be really still when measuring "Pulse Ox". That's why they automatically do it only during sleep.
I believe they must be doing something slightly different than a normal plus oximeter because of that - and also it takes 15 seconds to get a reading.