Online shopping has removed a number of pulse oxygen control devices known as oximeters from sale after being notified of defects identified by the consumer organization Who? Pulse oximeters have grown in popularity as a result of Covid, with millions of people keeping one at home so they can quickly assess if their blood oxygen level has dropped alarmingly low – a condition known as “silent hypoxia” – which is a common side- effect of the disease. Some of the devices were not legally eligible for sale in the UK, did not carry the CE quality Kitemark or falsely claimed to be NHS approved. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (DHSC) said it would look into the unauthorized use of the iconic blue and white name of the health service on the devices. He made it clear that “the NHS does not approve or approve of any medical device, including oximeters.” “The department strictly verifies the NHS identity and takes very seriously the unauthorized use or adaptation of the NHS logo and NHS letters,” said a DHSC spokesman. Which? said that 11 of the cheap pulse oximeters he bought from these sites did not comply with UK and European Union law when he examined them carefully. Some cost just 99 p. He urged consumers to look for properly approved devices in the “lottery” of choosing the right one. “It is very worrying that our research found these medical devices for sale without the required safety labels or to boldly claim that they are NHS approved and the major online markets do not opt for these red flags,” said Natalie Hitchens. the consumer. head of products and services for the group home. It also did not have a four-digit code indicating that it had been evaluated by a notified body, which is required by all medical devices before they can be marketed in the UK. “Pulse oximeters can be useful devices for patients to monitor oxygen levels in their blood on their own and have been key equipment during the pandemic to help health professionals manage patients with Covid or Covid syndrome to ensure that they are receiving the right treatment, “said Professor Martin Marshall, president of the Royal College of Physicians. “However, although pulse oximeters are economical and easy to use, they are medical devices that can have an impact on a patient’s health and treatment plan. “So it’s important for patients to buy one, to ensure that they buy verified products from reputable retailers – and that these retailers ensure that they only sell verified products – to ensure that the products are safe to use and provide accurate measurements.”
