Five Future Wireless Health Gadgets to Look Out For

As more and more patients crave immediate digital access to important health records and test results, the health tech industry is creating gadgets to help consumers manage their own health at home. These gadgets can possibly prevent unnecessary trips to the doctor and potentially help consumers save money.  That said, below are some of the latest global health tech gadgets that go beyond your average exercise app.

Project ScanaFlu 

Like the name suggests, this disposable cartridge from mobile health developer Scanadu can test for cold and flu viruses through your saliva. The device can also detect Step, Adenovirus and RSV. While there are some similar test kits available at pharmacies, the creators argue that they’re not as fast and aren’t as innovative as the ScanaFlu, since test results are immediately sent to your smartphone for analysis. The FDA has yet to approve the device, however experts predict the gadget will be made available at the end of 2013.

SCOUT

The SCOUT, which is about the size and shape of a wireless computer mouse, is also a Scanadu health tech device in development. All a user has to do is hold the device to his or temple and the Scout will use electrodes to measure vital signs such as your heart rate, electrical heart activity, body temperature, and blood oxygenation — and it does so in about 10 seconds. The data is then sent to your smartphone. The gadget is expected to run for about $150 once approved by the FDA.

Electroencephalography (EEG) Headset & EKG Patch

This wireless dual headset and patch from IMEC uses body heat and ambient light to help analyze brain and heart activity, respectively. The data is then stored in a remote device or sent to your smartphone to be analyzed. Unlike previous models, this U.S. prototype uses active electrodes to increase the quality of data readings.

BodyGuardian Remote

This device, which was a collaborative effort of mobile health developer Preventice and the Mayo Clinic, is similar to the wireless headset mentioned above. What this FDA-approved remote and system do is help monitor your heart and respiratory rate among other important vital signs through a small chest sensor. However, this device doesn’t replace a visit to the doctor. It’s meant to provide supplement data for your doctor. Data that the device collects is sent to your physician’s mobile phone or tablet so that he or she can have constant updated information to check for abnormalities.

Wireless Shoe Insole

This German-engineered wireless shoe sole from Moticon is an athlete’s dream. This one sole-fits-all-shoe measures foot pressure distribution. Test results can be seen in both 2-D and 3-D. Although ideally used for athletic research, the sole can also help rehabilitation patients. Unfortunately, the product isn’t commercially distributed in the U.S. yet.

Brenda Watson is a regular contributor to HealthInsuranceQuotes.org, but she thoroughly enjoys investigating all health tech industry news and trends. When she’s not writing, she can be found playing with her Yorkie puppy. She welcomes your questions and comments.