iHealth Lab Unveils New Wearable mHealth Devices

Products to be released in second half of 2014.

By: Michael Barbella

Managing Editor

iHealth Lab Inc. has unveiled a set of wearable medical devices it hopes will help people keep better track of key wellness factors.


Already a maker of a range of connected mobile health care devices, iHealth is taking the next step and banking that it can win U.S. approval for its new set of wearable products: an ambulatory blood pressure monitor, a wireless ambulatory electrocardiogram designed for 24-hour continuous monitoring, and a wearable pulse oximeter that can monitor pulse rates for up to 12 hours.
 
Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor
The company claims its ambulatory blood pressure monitor is an industry first. The monitor connects to a user’s mobile devices through Bluetooth, or to a personal computer through USB, and is meant to be worn inside a vest. It is designed to offer round-the-clock monitoring without requiring a lifestyle or routine change. Users can choose how often the rechargeable battery-operated device delivers blood pressure readings, with an option of 15-, 30-, 45-, 60-, or 120-minute intervals.

In designing the monitor, iHealth aims to give doctors cumulative data on various physiological measurements, particularly changes in blood pressure over a 24-hour period. Such data can help clinicians better understand potential cases of nocturnal hypertension, “white-coat” hypertension, or resistant hypertension when medications are ineffective at controlling high blood pressure, iHealth said.

The ambulatory blood pressure monitor works with both iOS and Android devices, and can hold up to 200 data points.

Wireless Ambulatory ECG
iHealth’s wearable, ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) that monitors heart activity continuously without the need for cumbersome wires or connections also reportedly is an industry first. The electrodes and monitor are ergonomically designed into a single, lightweight unit that attaches directly to the user’s chest and can be worn under clothing. The data can be transferred directly to a user’s mobile device that automatically pushes data to the cloud, where it can be accessed by health care professionals. Ambulatory ECGs commonly are used to test for abnormal heart rate or rhythm (arrhythmia) that often is sporadic and easier to identify by extended measurement periods. The new device uses Bluetooth 4.0 BLE to transfer data to an IOS device or can transfer data to a PC using an USB cable. The product uses a rechargeable battery and stores up to 72 hours of data.

Wearable Pulse Oximeter
The company’s new wearable pulse oximeter can continuously monitor blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Built around a fingertip sensor that connects to a wristband, the device is meant to measure blood oxygen saturation during normal daily activity, or at night. The device can be helpful, iHealth contends, for detecting obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and sleep apnea. The pulse oximeter can store as much as 1,000 hours of data, and connects wirelessly to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth 4.0 LE.

“These new products bring continuous vitals monitoring to a whole new level,” iHealth Lab President Adam Lin said. “We designed these products with the users in mind. They are ergonomically engineered to be comfortable and easy to use, while delivering robust, accurate measurements that can be easily shared with health care professionals using the latest wireless technology.”

All three devices are compatible with iHealth’s mobile app, which displays the relevant data and automatically sends it to the cloud, allowing it to be managed and shared as desired. The company is hoping to release these devices in the second half of the year, though none have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
 
iHealth designs mobile personal healthcare products.

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