Skin-Like Sensor Maps Blood-Oxygen Levels

A new type of oximeter — or blood-oxygen sensor — is made of organic electronics printed on bendable plastic that molds to the contours of the body. Unlike fingertip oximeters, it can detect blood-oxygen levels at nine points in a grid and can be placed anywhere on the skin. It could be used to map oxygenation of skin grafts, or to look through the skin to monitor oxygen levels in transplanted organs. Patients with diabetes, respiration diseases, or sleep apnea could use the sensor, worn anywhere, to monitor blood-oxygen levels 24/7.