Does henna impact pulse oximetry results?

Objective: To evaluate the effects of henna on the results of pulse oximetry in healthy women.

Methods: 100 young women (20-60 years of age) were recruited. The Iranian original red henna was used to colour the index finger of THE non-dominant hand; the middle finger of the same hand was the control. Blood oxygen saturation was simultaneously measured by two calibrated pulse oximeters.

Result: Henna did not affect pulse oximetry measurement of oxygen saturation. There was no statistically significant difference between the control and the henna dyed fingers.

Conclusions: Henna is not likely to change the accuracy of oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter.

Clinical Trial Registration: 20120906159N20.