Requesting your input on a potential Pulse Oximeter video

I have owned one of the small self-contained pulse ox meters for a very long time. I think any device that measures human vitals is interesting in the sense that they have all been heavily optimized for efficiency in my lifetime. Doctors used to measure weight using a balance, temperature using a mercury thermometer, blood pressure and pulsue using a stethescope, watch, and manual cuff sphygmomanometer, and blood oxygen was was not regularly tested because it was relatively fiddly thing with lights you had to jam up into the patient's ear. All of these procedures took quite a while to perform and practice to perform accurately. Now we have non-contact thermometers, fingertip pulseox, automatic BP cuffs and scales that accurately guage differentiated tissue masses, all in an instant. Any of the technologies behind these devices would make for a good video, current pandemic aside. The Apple watch and many others uses reflectance pulse oximetry to measure heart rate too. maybe reflectance mode would make a good Tech Connections 2 topic.

John Laur

Fantastic idea - I've always wondered how they work

I don't think you can make any topic feel "wrong".

SignalEleven

Please do the video - I'd like to see how they work and what the old alternative used to be.

Mark G

It'd be awesome to see!

Naishaline

Do it, would love to hear if it is resistance based or what. thanks!

sustime

I love the idea! Go for it!!

Andrew Dousay

i think it's a very fun idea for a video and i'm extremely confident that you'd approach the topic soberly, without referencing anything of the immediate topic of concern, and as others have pointed out... it's an amazing use of light to do things and gather data in ways that people may not realize. your work is amazing, as always, and we look forward to whatever comes next... no matter what the topic.

Deviant Ollam

ICYMI, Techmoan also recently did a patrons only video about pulse oxymeters and sleep apnea..

I think that'd be a good topic to cover. I'd also touch on the cheap AliExpress fitness trackers with oxymeter sensors. Most of them use TI chips that can calculate SPo2, ekg and pulse values using red led's, green led's or a combination of these two. But what's fascinating is that they can derive blood pressure, immunity level and all sorts of fantastic (!) information from that data!

You make a video about it, and I’ll watch it.

Good idea! It would be interesting to see how the heck these things work.

Rocco Rizzo

I'd like to know how those work. Being topical and discussing the tech behind things that are suddenly more relevant is very different than profiteering from advertising those products. Content creators like yourself who can continue to produce interesting material during this time should be supported.

Buckaroo Bunny Slippers

I think it would be a great video! The tech is really clever, and I feel like you'd be able to pull it off without seeming crass or profiteering.

Tyler

Agreed with many of these people that there is a great idea, even for a series of videos, here. You could say something like, “As with all medical equipment, particularly in these times of short supply, these should be reserved for those who use them regularly to monitor their blood oxygen levels and maintain health. ____ is a great step by step guide akin to playing with this device, and _[possibly JerryRigEverything]_ has a teardown video for those interested in seeing what the interior of a dissembled oxygen meter looks like.”

I think its actually more appropriate given the circumstances. Many people are looking into things like this right now. You're giving insight and clarity into how something works so people can understand better what the data is actually telling them. As some other have said, you should however probably be extra clear that this is not an endorsement, medical advice, etc. Also not name names and maybe cover brand names over if you can see them.

Ryan Pratt

I would love to see this as it's something I've been curious about for a long time. Not curious enough to go and research it, but enough that I'd love to see it get the Alec treatment and would really enjoy watching it. If you don't mention Covid (and really there's no need, your other videos rarely [if ever?] explain the rational for why you decided to research and assemble them when you did) I don't see any reason why it would trigger backlash from either the auto de-monetization algorithms or commenters. We love when you do what interests you, that's really what brought us here. Have at 'er!

Kevin Tessner

I definitely like this idea and second (third? fifteenth?) the notion that COVID-19 shouldn't be really a part of it. One "sister" gadget discussion you could include in the video is how they compare to wrist-based pulse trackers built into smart watches and fitness trackers. They probably don't deserve a video on their own, but both are using light to look at blood.

Tnarg42

I would love to see this video. You could also do one on oxygen commentators. They're affordable on e-bay now. ~$300

James Sutherland

I think it's fine, but extra caution is probably warranted to make sure your video can't be construed as medical advice or an endorsement of a particular make/model of device.

Of all the ways I've seen people trying to profit off of COVID, this wouldn't even raise an eyebrow. It's a good topic, and you can make it without even mentioning COVID. Especially if you take some time to highlight the different gimmicky, non-critical applications of pulse oximeters recently. I had a Galaxy S5 (I believe) that had a built in pulse ox to measure heart rate, and they now have infant socks with built-in pulse ox to monitor the child's sleep. Depending on how deep you want to go, you can look at more advanced applications of the underlying physics, like Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Imaging (NIRS) that can be used for functional brain imaging.

Go for it. I've been using a pulse-ox in my day-to-day duties as a FF/EMT since well before COVID. As has every single other medical professional. Nothing pandemic-specific here, IMO.

I say go for it. I feel like the "profiting off a pandemic" narrative is only crass if it's at the expense of others sch those at-risk or less fortunate. I don't see any issue with just making a video about medical tech, even if it was something directly related to the pandemic like a video about ventilators.

Emily Elam

A video about how the pulse oximeter works would be as absorbing and entertaining as any other TC video. You do you. Introduce the historical background and the evolution of the technology, as always. avoid COVID-19 mention, as Dan Jones suggested. Of course, there will always be the malcontents, but the vast majority would not perceive this subject as mercenary. Also, Dan Jones, love the punny "Human Malware."

Jan Gerston

One thing I'd suggest is that you don't mention "Coronavirus" or "COVID19" or anything coming close to those phrases. Google/Youtube are coming down hard on videos and channels that mention those things, and at the very least have had demonetization issues. One channel I follow (Gamers Nexus) calls it "Human Malware" which I found quite amusing as a way of referring to it.

I think it would be fine to make and interesting to watch. And so far very few of the video's you've made have left me even slightly inclined to buy the products you've explained (the jukebox seems like quite a hassle...), so we're pretty safe on that front too.

Bobo Boom

I've been testing my PulseOx for years, with my phone, and I would be interested to know how this works.

There's nothing wrong with talking about tech in relation to COVID. It would be rather strange if you didn't get ideas from the current state of the world. As long as you're careful I can't see any possible issues.

Jerry Rapp

It's a small display that you clip on to your finger and it shows a few vital signs. They are cheap to buy for personal use anywhere. Here in the Netherlands they are not very common in homes, but all GP's will have them. And those that have a reason to measure more often will probably have them at home too. (Like my parents)

Buzzin

Technology is just technology. Go for it.

Just do it! (BTW: You could look into SED-TV and explain it for us as well at some other point).

Sadly I have no idea what that unit is and what it does! Is that a US item only or a US name for an item I might know here in the UK? Maybe a little more research on this being known by everyone might help? OK, a little more knowledge know I've Googled: A pulse oximeter is a medical device that indirectly monitors the oxygen saturation of a patient's blood (as opposed to measuring oxygen saturation directly through a blood sample) and changes in blood volume in the skin, producing a photoplethysmogram that may be further processed into other measurements. I can do that Oxygen saturation reading on my Samsung phone by putting my finger on the touch pad a=on the back!

Colin Grimshaw

Just go for it. Knowing you, you'll put more restraints on yourself than we would :) I my parents have one of these, and you are right, it is interesting to see how they work....as I haven't figured it out yet (not that I tried real hard or anything).

Buzzin

I'd think if anything now would be the perfect time to do it, take a little of the mystery out of medical science!

Jack Stewart

I'd love to see this!

I think it would be interesting regardless of the pandemic. How cool is it that it can shine a light through your finger and tell you how much oxygen is there?

Al Myracle-Martin

I think it should be ok for you to make the video under the constraints that you describe, with the caveat that I'm a somewhat socially-deaf feral electrical engineer. While it's a bit on the nose with respect to the ongoing pandemic, the pandemic is not the only reason for somebody to consider getting one or being curious about them. For example, I suffer from sleep apnea and have used a CPAP machine for several years to address it. I've often considered buying or making a logging pulse oximeter just to check for myself that my CPAP is still being effective. I can pull data out of the CPAP machine which reflects my breathing patterns, but it doesn't directly measure blood oxygenation. I'm sure that I'd enjoy seeing your take on how they work and what they replaced.

Mark J. Blair

I think you can do it.

Ryan Schaffer

I'm interested in seeing it, and I don't think it would be crass at all. There's always going to be someone in the comments complaining about something, though, right?

adfaklsdjf

I can understand the concern but I think you're fine especially if you're avoiding the stuck in time issue by avoiding too much mention.

ITs fine

AZbytes

We Treated Older Coronavirus Patients. Here’s How to Save More of Them. https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/opinion/coronavirus-elderly-pulse-oximeter.html?referringSource=articleShare

Takuo Aoyagi, an Inventor of the Pulse Oximeter, Dies at 84 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/01/science/takuo-aoyagi-an-inventor-of-the-pulse-oximeter-dies-at-84.html?referringSource=articleShare

Two more relevant NY Times articles about pulse oximetry:

NY Times articles say that patients are pretty far along when they experience enough breathing distress to go to the hospital. When their lungs begin to work poorly, they unconsciously compensate by breathing deeper to get more oxygen. A pulse oximeter would show them the early onset of breathing problems. Early treatment with supplemental oxygen could help patients avoid intubation and being put on ventilators, as was done with Boris Johnson.

In the NY Times article , a doctor comments that “a simple home gadget called a pulse oximeter could help alert patients to seek help sooner”. That’s why my wife, the Respiratory Therapist, bought one. We have been checking our O2sat levels daily. So far, so good. And doing a YouTube video on them would not be crass. Knowledge is a good thing!

Hi Alec, this would be a great time to do a pulse oximeter video. My wife is a Respiratory Therapist and just bought a professional pulse oximeter for us to use at home. You can avoid dispensing medical advice by referencing a NY Times article about them: What’s a Pulse Oximeter, and Do I Really Need One at Home? https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/well/live/coronavirus-pulse-oximeter-oxygen.html?referringSource=articleShare

Great idea! I’ve always been curious as to how they worked and it never crossed my mind to try to find out.

Watched TechMoan's pulseox vid and enjoyed it and would be happy to see one from you too.

Jurassic_Jacob

I use one of these things, and have wondered how it works, so do it.

Very timely! I've wondered how they worked well before COVID19, and now that it's here, I've even had one in my Amazon cart. Do it!

Do it, you can do it right.

Dest

Definetly do it. I think your audience would be really interested in how they work. I don't think it would be crass at all.

Ken Klein

That you are posting about your concern makes me pretty confident that you are going to handle it tastefully. Even if the thumbnail had you with glowing white eyes and COVID 5G in the impact font.

John Lavallée

I know techmoan just did a video on those for detecting sleep apnea. Might want to check that one out.

You should make two versions of the video. The first one will be tasteful and publicly available. The second will be unlisted for us Patreons, and will show what you would’ve done if you were trying your best to scam people out of their money with this video.

Benjamin Maslow (BEM684)

please do, my dad had heart surgery a few years back and it would be nice to have you make a video on these since we wondered how they worked

plum pewter

I have no idea how they work and I'd love to know, so I'd welcome the video

Love your stuff, but I probably wouldn't watch it. I'm sure there would be a lot of interest and it's not crass, but I'm Covid'ed out. I have to ration my intake of plague-related news.

By all means Alec. I have such a device, and it works just like the ones they use in hospitals. I have often wondered how it can measure blood oxygenation just by shining a red light through your finger or ear lobe.

Lars Jacobsen

Timely and interesting. I don't think it comes off as profiteering off the pandemic, and that only seems like a bad thing when it comes at the expense of others. Simply making a little extra money because the times naturally cause more interest is not a bad thing.

Bren Ehnebuske

I have one of these (an inexpensive all-in-the-clip type), so I'd be interested in seeing others.

John Comtois

I don't think it would be disrespectful at all. Your videos provide very clear explanations and are great educational resources, so having a high quality video explaining how this technology works would be a great resource for those that might need it. If you're worried about seeming like you're profiting off it, you could always disable ads on that video.

I would actually love to see this. I'd also love to see if there's a difference between the tech used in standalone ones and those built into cell phones (Note8, as an example). I agree that it's walking a thin line, so probably some good disclaimers about not being a doctor/not giving medical advice/yaddayadda would be wise, but it's a very timely thing that I believe a lot of people would find interesting.

Nate D

I dont see any level of crass here. I would enjoy such a video and as you have indicated concern I am sure you would make it appropriate with all due sensitivities.

Sounds like a great topic, regardless of the moment. Importantly, I think the fact that you care enough to question whether it's appropriate means you'll probably treat it tactfully.

While it would probably be very interesting, I would worry that any information on it could become problematically out-of-date in a hurry. So if you do make it, make sure to cover that backside. On a personal note, I greatly enjoy your audio-video, uh, videos; they're a thing I like to watch to get *away* from the stressful reality of 2020. It's literally "I will now ignore the pandemic for 21 minutes and watch a video about how the color brown doesn't even exist". That's just me, though.

Yeah, that should make for an interesting episode. :)

Anders Enger Jensen

I think it's perfectly reasonable to make a video on this topic

Wilhelm Screamer

Seems like an interesting idea to me. Some people are going to look to be offended by anything, so pay no mind to those folks. Also, have you seen this recent Hackaday article on building your own pulse oximeter? https://hackaday.com/2020/05/16/a-pulse-oximeter-from-very-little/

Retro Game Club podcast retrogameclub.net

I think it's a fine idea. It's not like you'll put affiliate links to buy one in the description, and it's not like you'll give it a clickbait-y title. The fact is that there IS a pandemic, it's not going away for a while, and it's okay to be inspired by it. Just needs a little sensitivity, which I'm confident you have--you wouldn't be asking if you didn't.

‘Leigh

I'd say yes, I watched Techmoan's one and it was very interesting, recognised that some of his symptoms seem to happen to me occasionally so I did order a similar device to his for a try.

Kilrah

I'm not sure if I would watch it, at least right now. On one side I'm interested in how things work, but on the other side I think it would be difficult for me to be entertained by this particular subject given the period we're living in. Anyway, many other patrons seems to be quite interested, so maybe you should just go on.

Had a Band 2, was a great device until structural failure of the strap. It amazes me how common the strap is the downfall of fitness bands (not just the Band). All the complex electronics fine, a strap, snap!

Robin Capper

Would be an interesting topic & explainer video. Could be made without reference to COVID-19. To be honest, I'd not heard of the term or device "pulse oximeter" until you made this post. So now I wait to learn all about them.

Tim Johns

I'd watch, especially if you can get any info on the accuracy, results validity of consumer vs certified medical devices. A friend had one on a Himalayan cycle trip and, at 4500-5500m, it was constantly telling us to get to a hospital. Given we survived must wonder if was fibbing.

Robin Capper

Hi Alec. Make the video. Run the script by a physician for fact-checking accuracy if you’re worried about doing due diligence.

I think you should do it. I worked on the Microsoft Band, and when we were looking at v2, a blood/oxygen saturation sensor was part of the initial options. I asked my medical friends what the use cases for consumers would be, and none could think of a widely used scenario. This was 2014. I left that year after we shipped Band 1 (internally called Kronos or K). Now there’s a common use case as low blood/Oxygen saturation is quite common with this disease. I admit my ignorance, so I would love to see the other consumer uses for this. BTW, I was in charge of the OOBE or “out of box experience” for the first Band. We had so many sensors on that initial design, I wanted to make sure that people would use each sensor. For those that haven’t heard of the Band, it was Microsoft’s watch fitness device that came out before the Apple Watch. EDIT: I do get the COPD/afib scenarios...

I would like to understand how they work. Thanks

Gerard Hammond

Joe do you sometimes get a lower than 98% reading? My experience is that everyone has 98%-100% unless they hold their breath for a long time. My mom has COPD and I have never picked up a low reading so I was just wondering.

clickallnight

I think it would be fine. Nobody with COVID-19 related pneumonia will be self treating at home with Ali-Express pulse oximeters lol I would be interested to see what differences there might be in the different offerings. One coronavirus-related detail would be to know why some have spiked in price to $75 when most of them were in the $25 range. Are the better? Or shenanigans?

clickallnight

Good idea to do the video now. I think most people are thinking of no contact thermometers and ventilators being COVID-19 related but probably not a pulse oximeter.

Craig Kollai

Yes, I’m all for it

I think it's a great idea, and absolutely good timing. EDIT: an explanation of infrared thermometers (both how they work and why they can be so inaccurate) would also be timely and interesting!

dr.castle

Not sure if this has already been mentioned in the bazillion comments before mine but techmoan recently did a video about these devices but didn't go into the details of how they work. I'd sure like to know https://youtu.be/cMSHtJ_86F4

What a lot of comments! Not crass at all. Lots of heart rate meters on Fitbit, smart watches, etc. Too. Also consider taking apart some of the blood glucose meters, which are practically given away by pharmacies. Why is an equivalent non-invasive blood glucose testing so difficult? (Did RCA labs work on that too, but decided CED was more fun?)

Michael

I'd watch it, and don't think it would be insensitive - especially the way your videos tend to go. It's not like you're gearing up to make Plandemic 2 or something, just an explainer on pulse oximeters. :)

evistre

Definitely gets my vote. Good timing? Yes. Inappropriate, no. Interesting (and something I've often wondered how it works)? Definitely.

Neil Docherty

These machines are ubiquitous and it’s a relevant question to go over “how they work”.

alphawhiskey

I'm using one several times a day since I have COPD. I would love to know more about them Good luck buying one. After the 'rona hit the prices skyrocketed and delivery went to months. Another bit of kit I found interesting was the oxygen concentrator. Quite the clever scheme to make them work. https://www.oxygenconcentratorstore.com/reference-material/how-concentrators-work/

Part of what makes your videos so interesting is the fascinating in-depth topic and your particular brand of humor. Don't compromise on either of those just because of some people's over-sensitivities. Otherwise there's never going to be a "right" time to do anything. There's no reason to mention covid. Just do it as you always have.

I don't see an issue with the timing for this and I would be interested in learning how they work.

Arno Fleck

Hi Alec: Vince here. Yes, indeed. I think it would be a most informative and interesting video. I own one and use it to check my pulse-ox each and every morning along with my BP and Pulse rate. Have no issues, thankfully, and just curious to track my daily readings. How it works? Not a clue but I know it does. Would love to learn just HOW. Thanks for your consideration. Your loyal patron and viewer from Northern NJ. Peace, love and happiness. VGC

Vincent G. Calvacca

In a similar vein it might be interesting to do an episode on on CPAP/BiPAP machines as they have a lot of electronic functionality (heaters, pumps, display, etc) and computers on board for telemetry. They aren't too expensive either. I have an extra one I could send you. Also it would be a good PSA for people suffering from sleep apneas who are undiagnosed.

ZTK

It is an item of daily use in hospitals. Of course it is also used now in context with COVID as with every disease attacking the lungs. I don´t see why this should upset people.

Damnit, I was just getting my lawsuit ready

ZTK

I'd be interested in hearing about how they work and the history of the technology.

WildMartin

Tech Moan recently did a video on this, so it might be worth looking his first. His was more of a review, and in context of treating self-diagnosed apnea, but these are other lenses to keep in mind.

Jerrad Pierce

He might lose some QAnon viewership, you never know

ZTK

I think it is a great idea. Not crass at all.

Myron Dietz

I've heard that accurate pulse oximeters are notoriously difficult to make, which is part of the reason Apple hasn't put it into their watch yet. I'd love to know why! Especially with the news that some people don't even realize how low their blood oxygen levels are dropping when infected and undiagnosed. So please, make that video!

On Ice Perspectives

Hi Alec! This is something I have wondered about too and I would be very supportive of you making a video on the matter. I think you have what it takes to give a serious matter the treatment it requires in times like this. That you consider this says much about your good character.

BlüdfynTetra

Go for it, it's not a problem at all.

RHüz

I'm an EMT and use these on a regular basis. I think it would be timely and you can make it not at all crass. Just be sure to mention how these interact with fingernail polish...

Bruce Davis

I think it’s a great idea. I bought one back in March in preparation for the pandemic. You might raise awareness and get a few more people to pick one up as well. No harm in having more people check their oxygen levels. I don’t think going in to how they work is distasteful. iJustine did a whole video on health tech.

100% go for it and make the video

Go for it. You're one of the few who can do it tastefully and respectfully, and a lot of us would genuinely love to learn about how these devices which have suddenly become important to the average person work.

Leo

I think it would be wonderful - and i don't see a conflict or disrespect of any kind in context of a pandemic. I kind of understand why it would be sensitive for some people but I really don't understand. If being snarky about an oximeter offends one, one has deeper seated problems and probably shouldn't be watching YouTube at all at this moment. Can you go into the accuracy of the oximeters built into the flagship phones as well? I was always curious if these are accurate or of any reliable use. Love love love your channels!

Eric Basta

If you get the tone right, it not only wont be crass, but fitting. I would recommend less jokes and no bloopers however.

I think it behooves us to know a little bit about the medical technology we rely on. Certainly makers everywhere were scrambling to make incubators and face masks - and p.o. sensors were in very short supply. If we can make something reasonably useful, even if it's for experimentation or used for coarse results, then why not. It's non-intrusive and hopefully decoupled from any larger mechanism. It's not like we're going to build a heart-lung machine.

Just be careful to hedge your language that you're not a medical professional and you're not offering medical advice nor training.

Paul Mansfield

I'd find it fascinating, partly because I get tested for sleep apnea every so often.

Paul Mansfield

I think that as long as you don't make the video about the pandemic, it should be fine. It's a level of technology that isn't that specific any more; my phone has a sensor in it, for example.

Kevin Kostka

I don't think it's a good idea right now. You'll get a ton of hits, but they might not be the kind of hits you want. It might be more like Homer Simpson's Bowling advertising strategy - record audience, no one will stay. You get an audience with a combination of humor and information. Your videos are fun and light. It's OK to bash RCA, they're long dead. It's fine to bash AC units, there's not a lot of politics there. But if you apply the same snarky tone you did about space heaters to something people related to COVID-19, a very hot issue, you might find yourself in a place you don't want to be, no matter how good your intentions are. If the stress of the feedback from the channel is a problem right now, I would say don't do it. In the fall with distance it might be better. Given the time it takes to make a video you might be OK to start research. But I don't want to see you walk into a trap. You've got such a good channel, the amount of details is amazing. If TV were still a thing, somebody would need to get you a show immediately. Good luck, and I'll support you whatever you need to do.

Kyle Olson

Just do it and don't mention covid at all. It won't date well if you do anyway.

Andy McDade

Do it. If you feel that strongly about having the video misconstrued, I’d put a disclaimer at the beginning. That being said, I think pulse ox devices are super cool and would love to hear about them from a technical perspective rather than a medical perspective (which is what I got when I asked, how does that green light actually tell...)

Go for it

go go go go go

So what exactly is "crass" or controversial here? It's a medical device; unless I'm missing something that does not seem related at all to the current pandemic. Part of an interesting discussion would be what it is good for, and what it is _not_ good for. If in doubt, don't mention the current pandemic in your video at all, unless it is obviously related. This makes for more interesting long-term videos when people will be watching it years from now.

Raphaël

Maybe I'm not cynical enough, but I wouldn't have made any connection between COVID and the timing of a video (from you) on pulse oximeters. Now that you've proposed such a video, I'm _hankering_ to see it! You could always put a disclaimer at the top, much like the message you put here, if you're worried.

If you want this to appeal to a broader audience, you might start by talking about where these get used (I suspect they are much more common that you think). Start off discussing hypoxia, where you might encounter it, what is happening, and what can be be done about it. Search for "Hypoxia" and you'll get plenty of hits - some that come to mind include: "Smarter Every Day"- Justin experiences hypoxia in a high altitude chamber https://youtu.be/kUfF2MTnqAw ; "Niko's Wings" - Niko frequently flies his unpressurized small aircraft high enough to require oxygen https://youtu.be/-V5TXLby58Q?t=705; powered parachute ultralight pilot tries flying to 17kFt, https://youtu.be/eUiscyWw2D8 : Sleep lab - I was diagnosed with sleep apnea - one of the instruments they monitored me with was a pulse oximeter. Then there's a similar instrument for measuring CO in the blood - it uses red and green light.

Do it!

This is something I have been wondering about for years, I think it's only rubbing up against a current event topic and isn't in any way directly related to. I totally understand your concern but I think this would be a great video! Besides, we have already watched an entire series on the CED, I'm pretty sure your videos are immune to becoming dated.

Burrito Vampire

I think it would be a great addition to the "howstuffworks" category.

Erik van Roode

This sounds great! Do eet!

Lucy Franklin

IMO you’re overthinking this. If it’s an interesting piece of tech, then do it. That’s what your channel is about. I’ve actually been curious how those things work whenever I see on at my doctor’s.

Marc Weinreich

I think it’s a good idea for a video - people might be wondering how those things work. As far as profiting off a pandemic goes, I think not mentioning COVID-19 much if at all like you said is a good idea. If you are really worried about that aspect, you could make it and release it to the public much later this year. If you are worried about the video being stuck in time, that shouldn’t be too much of a problem if the COVID-19 references are at a minimal.

It's a fantastic idea. Providing people with information when they want to know, especially when they want to know it, is a service. If your ratio of clickbait headlines to information tipped the other way, I might voice a concern. But if I found that ratio to be distasteful then I wouldn't be supporting your work. Go for it.

Joshua Blanchard

Go for it, sounds like an interesting video. I own one of these sensors and have wondered how they work exactly (but couldn't be bothered to look it up).

Manawyrm

I've read the preceding comments, and if you want to avoid profiteering and/or appearing crass, I have two (and a half) suggestions: (1) Preemptively demonetize the video. Yes, this also torpedoes the video's chances with the algorithm, which would be kind of a good thing if you want to avoid precipitating a run on the devices. (2) Start the video with an explicit disclaimer telling people not to buy a blood oximeter as a substitute for seeing a doctor. Any disclaimer you feel the video needs should appear in the video itself, rather than just in the description, since most people don't read the description, and YouTube video descriptions generally aren't supported on smart TVs. (2b) If your only concern with mentioning COVID is that your video might become less topical over time, just accept that risk and mention COVID in the disclaimer. (You don't necessarily need to mention it in the body of the video, just the beginning.) I'm not saying you *have to* do these things. I'm suggesting them as ways to help yourself be more comfortable with posting the video in the first place. Does that make sense?

Elsie Hupp

Do it! I think people will be interested. As long as you don't do something like put an affiliate link to an Amazon product, to the viewer, you're not really profiting of them. Hopefully pulse oximeter ads don't get put on your videos 😂 But I'd love to see it. I got a pulse oximeter recently just because of all of this and got one that you wear while you sleep. It basically can detect of you lay in a position that is closing your airways causing you to snore or worse things like sleep apnea. Got it for fun mostly, but might be cool to talk about its uses for detecting/monitoring those sorts of things.

Not sure how it would be crass, it’s a medical testing device that is relevant. Seems like a great opportunity to inform people at a time when they might be googling what it is and how it works.

Is it edited yet?

Richard Thompson

As someone with a chronic lung disease who has worn one of these things more often than I've worn a band-aid on my finger, I am deeply interested in this. And though I can't speak for all of my chronic diseased brethren, I can say that I would not find this in poor taste at all, and I'm confident you would treat the issue with the the fair amount of respect and snark that your followers expect from you.

Mike Burkman

I think this would be great!

You're a conscientious type of guy and you're planning on keeping it non-virus related already so it should be fine. I know I've been curious about how those devices work for ages.

GeckoQween

I would watch it. So long as you stick to what you outlined here, it won't come off as crass.

Brendan Meteer

TC: So my mom is a nurse, bought thing, which got me to thinking: how thing work? Absolutely nobody ever: are you telling me to buy one? 😂

Jesse Thompson

Go for it, I'm interested!

Kevin Tangney

I know I would enjoy it alot and I can very well imagine that with your style this can be done in a very tasteful and interesting manner.

Thomas Keppler

Well - Andreas Spiess's current video on the same topic is quite good - https://youtu.be/fsJjHEnlQkU. Moreover these devices are hackable (https://www.atbrask.dk/?p=244) and precise (https://www.jimmynewland.com/wp/about-jimmy/presentations/comparing-ppg-signals-open-vs-closed/).

Appreciate the concern, but I don't even get a hint of this being in poor taste. Cool tech, and interesting to many people. Go for it!

I'd absolutely watch that.

Ken McGlothlen

Do it! And... as long as you keep it technical, I can't see a way it could be considered bad.

Alec, this is a great idea. Nobody would accuse you of profiting off of a pandemic. You are presenting a factual deep-dive into tech that many are now being acquainted with and probably wondering how it works.

Levi

Interesting point you might want to mention is all the pulse measuring apps for mobile devices that use the camera, which use a similar principle but as far as i can tell cannot measure blood oxygen saturation very well if at all.

I'd watch and enjoy it for sure! but, I'd tread really carefully around anything that could be a crazy magnet! I think your danger isn't a video that anyone would think is in poor taste. You got this. The danger is a video whose title attracts insane anti-vaxxer tinfoil-hat-wearing conspiracy theorists, who are simply unpleasant to deal with.

PeteyPak

I understand your concern, as we live in the age of outrage but I think it would be very interesting. And the fact that until 5 minutes I didn't know its name shows that we would all probably learn something new. Also curious what causes low levels and what is a dangerous lev. Go for it Alec!

I'm 100% behind this idea. I don't think a straightforward explanation of a technology that's extremely relevant to the times is at all disrespectful or crass.

Circuitmike

I would say go for it. With rumors about new Apple Watch having this feature, more people will be interested in how is the technology behind it.

Papin Faizal

I bought one of these a couple of months ago, and I have no idea how they work. Light shining through finger? How does that measure oxygen level? Color of the blood? Something else? I'm certainly curious and I agree with the others above, perhaps avoid any direct discussion of COVID-19 and why having a pulse oximeter is actually not a bad thing to have around these days, then I'm all for it.

ChasingSol

I don’t think it’s crass or disrespectful at all. I think it’s quite informative in these times. Definitely do it!

Please make the video, they're really interesting devices. I'm of the opinion that everyone should have one of these knocking around the house, just in case. Pandemic or not.

Isaac Clarke

In this world of conspiracy minded people, clear explanations of technology that people should be using is a good thing. You might also quickly touch on related technologies such as pulse meters and (now) blood pressure and blood sugar meters in some devices. I would also touch on the various ways a human can be oxygen deprived (lung malfunction, etc), how common it is to have low OX and not know it, and typical symptoms of oxygen deprivation (if you're lucky enough to notice them before things go bad).

Darren Pierce

Here’s my logic for why you should do this: 1. There clearly is tons of curiosity around these unfamiliar devices. 2. With tons of curiosity comes tons of people who are crass and, worse, grifters. 3. I believe your video will be measured and informative, something I’d love to pass around or point to if anyone shows interest. Please make it!

drewbot

Yes. I've always been interested in how these things work, from having one stuck on me for a week after surgery, to one stuck on me a few nights for a sleep study. Also thinking of getting my pilots license, they recommend getting one if you intend of flying in the higher altitudes because of the unpressurized cabin. I wouldn't mention the current Covid 19 situation, or just a foot note in the description or a pinned comment.

Eric Rivas

I’d like to see you dive into the details of how it works. As others have mentioned, Techmoan recently featured one that showed a correlation with sleep-apnea, so you could simply not mention COVID-19 at all in the video. I don’t think Mat mentioned it at all in his, IIRC.

Ken Klavonic

Yes. I would be interested in seeing one of your, always very informative, videos on them. I bought one recently and would very much like to see one of your videos on how it works

I vote yes it looks like a cool piece of tech that I bet has a cool back story. Please teach us about them.

I've actually been wondering how they work, and given the timing I think people would appreciate knowing about it. You're not selling anything, so it's not like you're taking advantage of the current state of the world to make more money. Maybe do a series on how home medical devices (like a blood pressure monitor or the various types of thermometers) work.

I vote yes. think it could be a great segue for a series on medical devices. I wouldn’t recommend even mentioning the pandemic as it would quickly cause the video to become dated. Besides there are many reasons to need to know your blood O2 that are unrelated to Covid19.

James Jepsen

coincidentally, techmoan did this very recently: https://www.patreon.com/posts/this-video-may-36317035

adcurtin

Do it, please. Also, I know there are different - and much more expensive - pulse oxymeters that can differentiate between CO and O2 in the blood stream. Fire departments carry the latter, and I have no clue how those work. That might make the video even more interesting, if you can get that data. Thanks!

Jeff Powell

My grandmother had lung problems that gave her pneumonia every couple months, so we used one of these quite a bit. I’d love to see how these work.

Stumblr

I vote for yes too - I just watched Techmoan's video, and my wife has just bought one. I'd be really interested in understanding how they work (with you doing all the hard work to research it for me!).

You can't control whether others use their platform to exploit or mis-inform. You can, however, fight back; by explaining what pulse oximiters _can_ and _can't_ tell you! Mission, you have a go for launch.

Avid Stan

I vote for yes. I'm interested in how this works. My previous phone supposedly was able to do this as well but I always wondered how.

I think it's a great idea for a video! Maybe at the end when you mention COVID-19 as a footnote also tag on that you were unsure, but after a Patreon discussion decided to go through with it.

I would appreciate a video like this! Understanding medical tech is fascinating and important, coronapocalypse or no.

Eleanor

Sounds like a great video.

I’ve seen tons of covid, virus, health, etc related content on YouTube during the pandemic. I think if you do this video, it’ll be interesting to people and not offensive / in poor taste at all. 👍

Adam Wishneusky

I don't think you need more thumbs up, but absolutely think it's a good idea. I don't think there's any problem doing such a video around the current times. No need to reference COVID-19, and you'll very likely say this is a tool that's been used for ages anyway, therefore I don't foresee any problem towards doing such a video now.

Thibault Martin-Lagardette

This sounds great, both educational and relevant!

Tom G

It is timely and if you're going to be just talking about the technology and history behind them (as you do in all of your videos) I don't see a conflict. To quiet those who are easily offended, if you start out the video with basically what you said above about not being a medical professional and that this is not medical advice to buy or to use a pulse oximeter, I think you'd probably be okay. I mean, I did not take your recent videos on jukeboxes as advice to go and buy one to restore.

Don Eitner

I think that if you make it clear that you are not offering any medical advice, it would be fine. They are fascinating devices and your "touch" on how they work would be nice. It can also raise awareness on the connection between oxygen level and lung function pertaining to a disease like covid19. Covid19 is not the only desease that compromises oxygenation of the blood, so that could be another angle that can help you steer away from being covid19 specific. Also, no matter what you do and how you do it, someone will complain, that is how it is...to those people I just say, "I take my coffee with cream and sugar because I love myself", :)

I also vote 'yes.' My doctor's office staff clamp one of these devices on my finger every time I walk in the door, so its use is clearly not only relevant to the current pandemic.

I dont think you need to reference Covid at all to cover this, and now more than ever people be interested in their functionality. I understand your concern, but as long as you arent screaming Covid or trying to sell them (Which you wont, cause you do a good job about keeping things.. clinical, for lack of a better term), I think it'll be fine.. Might get a few bad comments from Covid deniers/antivax/flatearth crazies though.

Honorary Octopus

Please do. Since I bought a CO2 detector I’ve been curious about the environment around me and how it affects my health and mood. I have a pulse ox meter on order. Seems I didn’t get one quick enough. But I would like to know more about them.

Paul Mills

I think it would be interesting. I know I use the one on my phone on a regular basis. I understand how they get your pulse but I've always wondered how they measure your oxygen level. I guess I could Google it but if you can tell me it would be easier lol

Stephen Wesche

As a former EMT, I vote yes!

Go for it!

It would be very interesting, I don't think you could even make it look like you were trying to profit off a crisis even if you wanted to. I would love to learn more regardless of the situation

Graham Burgdorf

Personally I am quite curious as to how those things work, so I'm all for it. I do see why you're hesitant though, so my idea would be to just start with a disclaimer stating that the video is not to be taken as medical advice nor meant to suggest that anyone should buy one. I think that should suffice to avoid misunderstandings.

would be very nice!

Considering low blood saturation is a symptom of sars-cov-2 it seems timely and useful for people to understand its significance. Pulse oximiters are relatively simple devices that should be easy for the lay person to understand so I say go for it. Knowledge is power :)

Ash

I find this concept of "profiting off the pandemic" really complicated but you strike me as someone who's literally incapable of tastelessly milking the attention cow. The fact that you ask this question shows that. I don't worry at all about a video about pulse oximeters. They aren't even specific to Covid-19, they're an ubiquitous part of healthcare.

Nordfuchs

I would love to see a video discussing them. Even outside of a pandemic it’s very useful to have one, especially if you have a history of respiratory or cardiac issues, or want an indicator of whether you should get a sleep study for apnea. Just because they’re suddenly popular now doesn’t mean they aren’t worth knowing about in general!

fluffy

By all means, do it. You will never be able to avoid people who will see somthing negative regardless of the circumstances. Do it the way you would without Covid beeing a thing now and it will be as intresting and enjoyable as any of your " explaining technology" videos. Thanks for producing quality content, keep going!

I vote go for it as well! It's an interesting piece of tech and we all love your explanations of these things.

JohnnyCache

As a healthcare worker (thankfully also not on the frontlines), I see no problem with a discussion of the technology and history. Yes, they're a /little/ more relevant in today's strange times, but they've always been a useful tool. My father, like many older people, suffers from atrial fibrillation. He's got about ten of them littered around - they're a cheap commodity now. I doubt a large proportion of viewers would even make the connection unless it was spelt out. The only thing I would caution is to not make it sound like any kind of medical advice, or anywhere close (e.g. only state that it measures a metric, but not what that metric /means/). That said, your style is understated, your cadence sincere. Nobody in their right mind would take it as you pushing a product, or seeking to cash in somehow.

Go for it, I for one would love to see it. They’re remarkable little pieces of kit. FWIW my wife and I run a small healthcare company and are up to our necks in PPE and stuff and I wouldn’t find it crass or offensive at all. I’d find it really interesting and I think it’d be of real interest to the wider public who are now becoming aware of these devices and how important they are in current circumstances.

Phil

Like everyone else is saying, I think you're fine. I'd probably say you should have the COVID footnote at the beginning, acknowledge that this might be partially inspired by it but is not meant to discuss it, just to get that all out of the way (because you know it's going to happen in the comments if you don't, and probably if you do). But other than that, you'd need to pretty drastically change how you make videos for it to come across as crass or vulture-like, so I don't think there should be an issue.

demize

I'd support this too. Even though you plan not to date it with COVID-19 references, many people are looking to get such a device for obvious reasons. Having someone we trust explain the tech and telling us what to look for so that we can make an informed decision is extremely important. Without such a video it's possible that people might buy the wrong thing and that can be problematic if they're basing key decisions on the output. Lastly, this is exactly the sort of thing I'd expect to be on your channel, and it's why I recently spent hours learning about the colour brown, CED and the innards of a jukebox. Keep doing you :)

Peter Membrey

As others mentioned before Techmoan made a video about this recently. Before I didn't even know what an oximeter is. I looked online and saw that even the better ones are quite cheap. So I bought one, not because I have any medical issues with my blood oxygene (that I know of) but out of curiosity. I didn't see any supply shortage at the time so I don't think I took it away from someone who really needed it. So I think a video about how it works could be really interesting. I don't think a huge number of viewers would buy one like I did but some will.

Robert

Just wanted to point out that recent Samsung devices have one built-in to the back of the device. You can access it by measuring Stress in the Samsung Heath app.

Quinton Wilson

Hi there. This is an interesting idea. I personally have had a pulse oximeter at home for years. Bought it along with my home blood pressure meter. On one hand, I fear such a video may be perceived to be in bad taste given the current death toll from this horrible pandemic. On the other hand, it would be informative. Obviously it would have to be done in a way that avoids treating a home pulse oximeter as a substitute for professional medical consultation.

go for it. i use one and have no idea how they work. wouldn't be in bad taste at all, you are only talking about the technology behind how it works!

Mike's Mess

I think it would be very interesting, but maybe wait to upload until after the stay at home orders are all over with.

David Trouten

I say if the tech is really that interesting on it's own (which I agree, i really think it is), then just write it as you would a year ago, when COVID-19 wasn't even a thing on anyone's mind.

Ralph Lucas

I have one myself, and was quite surprised how simple the tech is which makes it work. Much, much nicer than alternative methods.

Spectre

I was actually really interested in picking one up recently due to some sleeping problems I was having, I absolutely support you making this video! That is the kind of device I would expect you to make a video on, it's certainly on-brand for your channel. It doesn't necessarily have to have anything to do with the current world situation (my own reasoning for wanting one certainly did not relate to it). I do not believe this will be taken as offensive except possibly by an incredibly small portion of people who probably aren't regular viewers anyway, and I'm sure that group of contrarians and dissenters exists for ANY possible topic.

Zack

I'd go for it, I don't think there is any need to mention the pandemic, and therefore it shouldn't look like a cash grab. It's a very common technology

Joseph Dufour

I think it would be good.

I'd like to see this and trust you to make this video in a tasteful and interesting manner. As a nurse, your mom's opinion of this project would possibly carry more weight than those of the patrons.

Mark Hesse

My $0.02 is, if you put what you described here in the front of it, maybe a little edited down, that'd be all it'd need. I'm actually interested as an asthmatic they just kinda appeared one day, one day, i didn't know blood ox was a thing, next day I have a thing on my finger telling me it's a thing and watching it swing wildly. I don't own one myself, but would love to know more about it so if I do decide to buy one, i know what to look for.

Tom Boucher

I can see where the worry comes from, but I think that the subject is exceedingly relevant to the times and would be welcome by the overwhelming majority of people (myself included). We’re all influenced strongly by things that happen around us, and your channel more than most is about taking the things around us that we don’t even notice and showing that they’re neat, so a pulse oximeter video would, in my opinion, actually be perfectly fitting for your channel and not profiteering in the slightest. Unless you introduced Tech Connections-brand(TM) pulse oximeters afterwards, and included an Amazon affiliate link in the description. Then I think the topic would need to be revisited :P

Tytyty

I would love to see it. I was amazed when the latest running watch I bought had a pulse oximeter built in, albeit not an amazingly reliable one!

Yes. Go for it. 👍

Eric Korenman

I would love to see that. And the fact that you’re even asking these questions shows that you’ll be sure to do it in an appropriate way.

Yup :) I agree, as long as you do; As you say, keep it tasteful, I'd really love to know how it works too!

Lisa

In the last video Technology Connections gave his own fan his finger!

Chester Plemany

It's an interesting bit of tech and as long as it's not "brought to you by MedCO oximeters" it's not profiteering Also knowing what the various machines do and how they do it can actually help calm people that are going through the shit end of things right now

juenger1701

I think it's a great idea: I've often wondered how they work! My Garmin watch has a pulse oximeter built in and I assume it works in a similar way but if it's different and you can find out how it works I'd love to know how they work too

I would be most interested, as someone who uses one sometimes.

Chris Crowther

Hi. I got one of these a couple of years ago on the advice of one of my doctor's. I would LOVE to see how it works! Please also cover the phone apps which supposedly use the flash LED and the IR camera that's on many phones these days. I never found them to be reliable compared to my actual oximeter, so I think it's a bit of a scam. But the little units that clip on are for real, and match what the heart clinic I go to shows. Anyone with PAH will enjoy seeing it.

Mike Bird

I think this sounds interesting.

The fact that you're concerned about this tells me that the video won't be in bad taste. I think it's the kind of info people ought to have. You could always drop a disclaimer at the top, but I think you'll be fine. Sounds like an interesting and useful topic!

As someone who recently purchased one, I would love to hear more about how they work.

April King

Yes, absolutely!

I think it’s a great idea! I understand in general how they work and have used them for years while taking care of my mom, who passed at 99 in 2018. I use it now for me as a cardiac patient. I have the iHome one that Bluetooth connects to my iPhone and updates Apple Health. They used to start for a red LED one between $15-20. Now not so much. I think mine was $60-70 but advanced feature set. Some have OLED displays. And were $20-40. Now much more. Grrrr. Great idea! Do it!

Joseph Spiegel

I asked my wife, who is a nurse practitioner, her opinion. She said that as long you make it clear you aren't giving medical advice she doesn't see a problem with it. It is certainly topical after all.

Chronos

Isn't this the point of the channel? Explaining the the technology we use in our daily lives. I say do it. I'm curious now too.

I think it would be an awesome video. I would say emphasize the fact that it is not medical advice and not trying to convince you to buy one but also encourage viewers to donate to help with COVID-19 relief or something like that. That way the video doesn’t sound insensitive and instead is creating awareness.

William Leonard

Seems a perfect fit for the channel, and doesn't seem distasteful if it's not done in a blatantly topical way

Sean

I would love to see a video on this

Another yes from here. I want to know this myself! 😀

I think it's a great idea! My favourite thing about this channel is the fact that I'm always discovering how fascinating every day items are. (Most ingenious is the rice cooker)

I think that run has already happened give the price she had to pay for one, so I don't think I would really be affecting that, honestly

Technology Connections

I agree with the consensus. Avoid any appearance of "cashing in" as you said. No Amazon affiliate links. :)

Gregory Bondy

YES. Blood oxygen and pulse oximeters are very much a thing that pilots that fly small single-engine (non-pressurized) airplanes are very interested in. You'd get a bunch of cross-talk with people who were pilots. I would be super-interested in this and I'd promote it a lot. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help. I have a tiny youtube channel that among other things talks about flying. I fly a non-pressurized airplane. If nothing else I'll link to your video when it's up. Can't wait for the video!

Craig P Steffen

Your writing voice has more than enough tact to handle the topic in my opinion. I don't really see how "pulse oximeters are neat, here's how they work" in your presentation style can be mistaken for medical advice.

Trevor Sullivan

I think it’s an interesting topic, and that you would find a way to make it without looking like a profiteer — frankly, I can’t imagine you looking like one at all.

Max Barnash

Sounds like it would be an interesting video. You could put a disclaimer or something in the description...although I don't know if many people read that anymore. Simply making an informational video is far from profiting off of a pandemic.

Techmoan did one recently which was interesting but was focussed on a particular product he had used rather than how they worked. I’ve just bought one for £8.99 off eBay and it barely works, so I’d be interested in knowing if there is a difference between “expensive” ones like your mum might use at work and the one I just bought...

Kirk Northrop

It's not insentive at all. I have a huge distrust for my pulse oximeter generally so hearing a detailed workup will either confirm my suspicions or absolve them. I'm here for any content you pop out. I'm interested in your delivery more than specifics.

this isn't profiting off a pandemic by any means. making otherwise boring things interesting is your wheelhouse and this fits right in with that

I don't see how it would be in bad taste. I'd love to know about the technology

Only risk I can see is that it triggers a run on the market for these devices and depletes the supply of them and hospitals can't find them for patients that actually need them.

Jeff Groves

I've always been curious about the tech behind how these machines work, and would love to see you do a video about it.

I’m all for it! But anyone who gives you the finger is clearly not a fan.

Nicholas Todor

Yes

Ethan Hamel

Can't see any problems with it if you keep it about how it works and not why you'd use it. And even then it wouldn't really be a problem I think.

Yeah, I say go for it.

Chuck Floyd

Techmoan did a video focused on using one to recognize sleep apnea. I think you could do it tastefully.

Jason Wellband

Any Technology Connections video is a good video. Go for it!

It sounds cool to me

Absolutely. I like your longer videos, so please, don't make it too short!

Matheus Bitencourt

You made a tasteful video about brown. You got this.

V.E. Griffith

Go for it! I got one after my doctor suggested sleep apnea, and yep, the results were enlightning... I got a cheap one that records overnight, and then you can transfer the data to your computer.

I think information and facts are always appreciated, and avoiding dating the video with references to COVID is a good idea.

Leo Herzog

Anything you’d make a video on would be good lol

Zack Finkbiner

Sounds good to me!

Patrik A