Ava Monroe
The use of gel nail polish has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its longevity and aesthetic appeal. However, there are concerns about its potential impact on pulse oximetry readings, a standard technique for monitoring oxygen saturation (SpO2) in the blood. Some studies suggest that certain colours of nail polish, including dark shades and glittery particles, can interfere with the accuracy of oximeter readings by forming a barrier over the nail, blocking infrared light from passing through. This interference could lead to overestimations or underestimations of oxygen levels, which may have clinical implications, especially for COVID-positive individuals. While the impact of gel nail polish on pulse oximetry readings is not fully understood, healthcare professionals often recommend removing it before taking oximeter readings to ensure accuracy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gel nail polish affecting oxygen reading | There is no consensus on whether gel nail polish affects oxygen readings. Some sources claim that it does, while others state that it does not. |
| Nail polish color affecting oxygen reading | Dark colors such as black, blue, green, and purple can interfere with oxygen readings by absorbing infrared light. |
| Impact of nail polish on pulse oximetry readings | Nail polish can cause a decrease in pulse oximetry readings of up to 3-5%. |
| Removal of gel nail polish | Removal of gel nail polish requires a specialized procedure. |
| Alternative monitoring techniques | Alternative monitoring techniques, such as placing the pulse oximeter probe above the nail bed or on other body parts, can be used to avoid the impact of nail polish. |
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What You'll Learn
Gel nail polish can cause a 2-3% drop in oxygen readings
While pulse oximetry is a standard, non-invasive method to monitor oxygen saturation in the blood, certain factors can affect the accuracy of readings. One such factor is the presence of nail polish, specifically gel nail polish, which can cause a drop in oxygen readings.
Gel nail polish forms a strong barrier over the nail, interfering with the readings by blocking the infrared light from passing through the nails into the capillaries. Dr Joyeeta Basu states that while a 1-2% drop in oxygen levels may not be significant for a healthy individual, it can be problematic for COVID-positive patients. She notes that a 2-3% drop in readings can cause concern, and gel nail polish with glitter particles can lead to such a decrease.
The impact of gel nail polish on oxygen readings is supported by various studies. A study by Rodden et al. (2006) found that green, brown, black, and blue nail polish may cause a 3-5% decrease in oxygen saturation. Similarly, a study by Alshehri (2000) reported a 3-5% reduction in readings due to green, black, red, blue, or brown nail polish. However, it is important to note that some studies, like those by Brand et al. (2002) and Chan et al. (2003), found accurate SpO2 measurements even with opaque colours like black, blue, and purple.
The variation in results may be attributed to differences in technology and wavelength combinations used by different oximeters. A study using the Masimo oximeter found that black, purple, navy blue, light blue, and white nail polish resulted in a wider range of readings, indicating a potential impact on precision. In contrast, the Philips oximeter showed a wider range of F-ratio values with black, purple, green, white, yellow, orange, and pink nail polish.
Given the potential impact of gel nail polish on oxygen readings, it is advisable to remove nail polish or use alternative monitoring techniques when taking oximeter readings, especially in medical or clinical settings.
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Dark nail polish colours can interfere with readings
Dark nail polish colours can interfere with pulse oximeter readings. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive standard device to monitor the saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) and heart rate. The device relies on the passing of a wavelength of light through a pulsatile nail bed to a sensor on the opposite side of the fingertip to read SpO2 levels.
Any strong barrier that can stop infrared light from passing through nails can affect the readings. Dark shades of nail paint, such as blue, green, black, dark red and purple, can cause problems. A single coat of light colours like pink may not cause issues. However, glitter nail polishes, which form a 'nail' over the nail, can interfere with readings.
Some studies have found that black, blue, and green nail polish significantly lowered oximeter readings of oxygen saturation. Blue and green produced greater decreases than purple and red; black produced an intermediate decrease. Other studies have found that green, brown, black, and blue nail polish may interfere with pulse oximeter readings, causing a 3-5% decrease in oxygen saturation.
Gel-based manicures can also result in overestimations of actual readings, delaying the detection of hypoxaemia. Gel nail polish should be routinely removed or an alternative monitoring technique sought.
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Nail polish can affect the accuracy of readings
Gel-based manicures, in particular, have been found to result in overestimations of actual readings, potentially delaying the detection of hypoxaemia. The glitter particles in gel nail polish can cause a 2-3% drop in readings, which can be significant in deciding whether a patient needs to be transferred to the hospital. Dr Joyeeta Basu states that while a drop of 1-2% in oxygen levels may not matter for a normal person, it can make a lot of difference for a COVID-positive patient.
Additionally, dark shades of nail paint, such as blue, green, black, dark red, and purple, can interfere with the accuracy of readings. These colours can lower the SpO2 readings by absorbing light at the wavelengths used by pulse oximeters. A study by Rodden et al. in 2006 also found that green, brown, black, and blue nail polish may interfere with pulse oximeter readings, causing a 3-5% decrease in oxygen saturation.
However, it is important to note that not all studies have found clinically significant changes in readings due to nail polish. Some studies have shown that clear nail polish, red nail polish, and acrylic nails do not cause a significant difference in readings compared to unpainted nails. The impact of nail polish may also depend on the type of oximeter used, as different devices use varying technologies and wavelength combinations.
To ensure accurate readings, it is generally recommended to remove all nail polish and nail art before using a pulse oximeter. This is especially important in healthcare settings, where accurate oxygen saturation readings are crucial for patient care and management.
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Gel nail polish requires a specialised removal procedure
Several sources state that gel nail polish can affect oxygen readings. Doctors advise removing gel nail polish before taking an oximeter reading. Gel nail polish can cause a 2-3% drop in readings, which can be problematic for COVID-positive patients.
A board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Shari Lipner, recommends a different approach. Instead of foil, she suggests using plastic food wrap to create a tighter seal and prevent dripping. Dr. Lipner also advises applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to each cuticle before removing the gel nail polish. This method involves leaving the plastic wrap on for 10 minutes and then gently rubbing off any remaining polish with a warm, wet washcloth.
If the gel nail polish is particularly difficult to remove, it may be necessary to visit a nail salon or seek the help of a professional.
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Nail art and accessories can hinder oxygen readings
Gel nail polish, in particular, has been found to affect oxygen readings. Gel-based manicures create a strong barrier over the nail, which can block the infrared light used by pulse oximeters to measure oxygen levels. This interference can result in inaccurate readings, with some studies reporting decreases in oxygen saturation levels by 2-5%. The presence of glitter particles in gel nail polish can further hinder readings, causing a more significant drop in oxygen readings.
The colour of nail polish can also impact oxygen readings. Dark shades such as blue, green, black, and purple have been found to lower oxygen saturation readings, with blue and green producing the greatest decreases. Lighter colours, such as pink, may be less likely to cause issues. However, it is important to note that the effect of nail polish colour on oxygen readings may also depend on the type of oximeter device used.
In addition to gel nail polish, nail extensions and fancy nail accessories can also interfere with oxygen readings. These accessories create a similar barrier over the nail, blocking the infrared light necessary for accurate readings. Therefore, it is recommended to remove all nail art and accessories before using a pulse oximeter to ensure accurate measurements.
While the impact of nail art and accessories on oxygen readings may not be clinically significant for healthy individuals, it can become crucial for those with respiratory conditions or COVID-19. Even a small change in oxygen levels can affect the decision to hospitalize a patient, making accurate readings essential for proper medical care.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gel nail polish can affect oxygen readings. It can result in overestimations of actual readings, delaying the detection of hypoxaemia. Gel nail polish should be routinely removed before taking an oximeter reading.
The colours black, blue, green, purple, and red have been found to lower oxygen readings.
This is because the digital pulse oximetry relies on the passing of a wavelength of light through a pulsatile nail bed to a sensor on the opposite side of the fingertip. Any strong barrier that can stop that light transfer can give different readings.
