Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2021

2025

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Pulse Oximeter, M50L Fingertip

This is a Pulse Oximeter. Its medium is plastic, electronics. It is a part of the department.

In April 2020, Dr. Richard Levitan observed that many COVID-19 patients in New York City were becoming afflicted with pneumonia before experiencing severe symptoms. Dr. Levitan advocated the use of pulse oximeters at home. These low-cost, over-the-counter devices detect low oxygen levels and encourage patients to seek treatment sooner.

It is credited Museum purchase.

Its dimensions are

H x W x D: 3.1 × 4.1 × 6.3 cm (1 1/4 × 1 5/8 × 2 1/2 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Design and Healing: Creative Responses to Epidemics.

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If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/2318805647/ |title=Pulse Oximeter, M50L Fingertip |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=5 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>