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.