Why are younger children excluded from the use of the blood oxygen app?

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Level 1

4 points

Why are younger children excluded from the use of the blood oxygen app?

As a parent, I think the Blood Oxygen app is a very useful feature related to the health of all. I was disappointed to discover the apple watch features were limited to some of my children, especially the ones under 18. I would rather have been asked for permission as their parent, to allow them to use the features.

Can someone explain why these measures are restricted and what the conflict would be to find a workaround?

Apple Watch Series 6

Posted on Nov 18, 2022 7:54 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 18, 2022 2:44 PM in response to Brooklyn819

Brooklyn819 wrote:

Considering the measurement are not for diagnostic use or to predict medical emergencies such as low ABG or blood oxygen levels in asthmatics, I don't see the harm in allowing permissions for child use if the parent is ok with it.

I don't think it's entirely up to Apple. The FDA gets involved in medical device approval. And so do lawyers.

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Answer 2

KiltedTim

Level 10

225,546 points

Nov 18, 2022 7:58 AM in response to Brooklyn819

Because it has not been proven to be reliably accurate when used to monitor children.

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Answer 3

Nov 18, 2022 8:07 AM in response to Brooklyn819

Standalone pulse oximeters can be purchased from your local pharmacy or Amazon for relatively small sums. There are some that are made specifically for children.

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Answer 4

Nov 18, 2022 2:53 PM in response to Brooklyn819

You're certainly free to contact Apple and discuss the matter with them.

I understand children may not have been in the study,

I suspect there was more than one study.

and I would welcome the opportunity for a group to do the research on its benefit since there are now, more children wearing smart watches, that read blood oxygen levels... for example fitbit

Are you going to fund this study? I think a study with any significant sample size would cost at least $100,000. Do you have any idea what's involved in doing a study that involves human subjects who are part of what's considered a "vulneralbe population"?

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Answer 5

Brooklyn819 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 18, 2022 2:37 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

I am aware of the oximeters that can be purchased in a store. the accuracy works fine barring the use of nail polish and artificial nails. when used with an apple watch, the pulse oximeter and apple watch are not far off from each other in measurement for adults and school age children as long as the watch can securely fit to the wrist of the user.

Considering the measurement are not for diagnostic use or to predict medical emergencies such as low ABG or blood oxygen levels in asthmatics, I don't see the harm in allowing permissions for child use if the parent is ok with it.

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Answer 6

Brooklyn819 Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 18, 2022 2:44 PM in response to KiltedTim

The use of the Blood oxygen feature is not for medical purposes on the watch and that disclaimer should at the very least remove liability from apple. Again, because it is a feature, I am looking for the documented risk associated with the justification for prohibiting the use. there are many benefits including educational ones that make the feature a great education tool and health promotion/awareness feature. I understand children may not have been in the study, and I would welcome the opportunity for a group to do the research on its benefit since there are now, more children wearing smart watches, that read blood oxygen levels... for example fitbit

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Why are younger children excluded from the use of the blood oxygen app?

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