Original research published in BMJ Innovations introduces a novel, non-invasive device to correct racial bias in haemoglobin and pulse oximetry measurements. Traditional pulse oximeters rely on red-infrared light and fail to account for skin melanin, leading to inaccurate readings for ethnic minority patients. The newly developed device employs green light (520-580 nm) and a proprietary algorithm that quantifies and corrects skin melanin, ensuring reliable measurements across all skin tones.
Published in 2022, Innovative technology to eliminate the racial bias in noninvasive, point-of-care (POC) haemoglobin and pulse oximetry measurements revealed the first ever technology that integrates green light and skin melanin quantification into noninvasive oximetry and haemoglobin measurement, addressing longstanding inaccuracies in existing devices.
It is a versatile, scalable device suitable for all age groups—adults, children, and neonates—with potential applications in wearable health technology. It has implications for research, practice, and policy with its ability to eliminate racial disparities in haemoglobin and oxygen saturation monitoring, improving outcomes for ethnic minority patients. It also offers a practical, scalable solution for home use, outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, intensive care units, and global health contexts.
The article has already been cited numerous times and covered in 21 media stories, becoming a cornerstone in the conversation around racial equity in healthcare. The technology was featured in an article on the Medscape online medical news platform and also received attention in an editorial published in the esteemed journal Chest.
Lead author and paediatric physician turned bioengineer Dr Sanjay Gokhale spoke to Ingrid Bray at BMJ Group about how publishing in BMJ Innovations has helped increase recognition of the need for equitable diagnostic tools, new clinical studies, and global conversations on addressing racial disparities in healthcare technologies.
Publishing in BMJ Innovations helped to propel Dr Gokhale’s research into the global spotlight
“The publication in BMJ Innovations has sparked an unprecedented level of attention and conversation. Key stakeholders like the US FDA, policymakers, and device developers are now taking serious note of this unmet need.”
Dr Sanjay Gokhale
Physician turned bioengineer, and CEO of Shani Biotechnologies
Beyond improving diagnostic accuracy, this technology can potentially drive significant change in health equity, particularly in low-resource and underserved communities. Following the publication of this research, a Phase 2 Clinical Study, a grant from the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is underway to further validate the device.
Dr Gokhale stressed that the NIH grant review process is thorough and intense. One key parameter is whether the applicant has published any preliminary data in a peer-reviewed prestigious journal. Thus, he believes the BMJ Innovations publication proved crucial for his team in securing the grant. The publication also catalysed collaborations with global experts and stakeholders, including top researchers in the US and Italy, and advocates for racial equity in healthcare. These collaborations are vital to scaling the technology and ensuring it reaches all corners of the globe.
The development of this technology represents a significant advance in equitable healthcare. By addressing a critical gap in diagnostic accuracy, it has the potential to improve health outcomes for millions worldwide.
He adds that publishing in BMJ Innovations has amplified the visibility and credibility of this research. Having been cited 10 times, with all citations received within the past two years, reflects a 6.26x higher citation rate than the average for its field. Dr Gokhales has also witnessed frequent citations in major conference discussions, helping inform policy and practice globally.
Publishing in BMJ Innovations also brought unexpected professional growth. Dr Gokhale has been invited to mentor students and joined a university as a research faculty member. Dr Gokhale expressed how mentorship under BMJ Group’s Dr Ashley McKimm has been invaluable.
“Since our publication, we’ve formed robust partnerships with key opinion leaders, researchers, and policymakers across multiple countries… Our technology has reshaped the discourse around racial equity in pulse oximetry, and it’s gaining momentum in the medical community. It’s inspiring a broader push for more equitable diagnostic tools.
The publication in BMJ Innovations has played an instrumental role in generating visibility for my work. I have received an academic offer to join the University as a research faculty member and to mentor medical students. As a result of the publication, my interview was broadcast in the
local Dallas Fort Worth news media outlet!”Dr Sanjay Gokhale
Physician turned bioengineer, and CEO of Shani Biotechnologies
Publishing in BMJ Innovations has been a game-changer for Dr Gokhale’s team, catalysing a rapid increase in recognition, funding, and collaborations. The device, which eliminates racial bias in pulse oximetry and haemoglobin measurements, has the potential to directly shift healthcare diagnostics globally. With its ability to address a critical health equity issue, this technology is poised to change lives and save millions of patients from misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
“This publication has been the springboard that has helped us turn a groundbreaking idea into a reality with global implications for health equity.”
In October 2024, TCU Burnett Medical School in Fort Worth, Texas, hosted an academic event where Dr Gokhale shared the latest updates about his ‘green light oximeter.’ Dr Claudia Perez, the Principal Investigator at the site, joined Dr Gokhale to present a poster to raise awareness as they prepare to launch Phase-2 studies.
