Apple files patent for iPhone embedded heart monitor: Apple filed a patent for a seamlessly embedded heart monitor in what looks like an iPhone or iPod touch. The main purpose of the integration appears to be for authorization purposes. Using specific algorithms, an EKG tracing can be used to identify individuals. The patent also states that the embedded monitor can be used to predict a user’s mood, a feature of which we’re a bit skeptical.
ABORhCard blood group determinator wins 510(k): Micronics of Redmond, Wash., won Food & Drug Administration clearance to market its ABORhCard, a credit card-sized device that determines blood group and Rhesus factor status. The card contains anti-A, anti-B and anti-D antibodies printed into discrete microfluidic channels. The device gives fast results, within minutes, and can be stored at room temperature. However a buffer needs to be added after storage to rehydrate the antibodies. It was developed with help of funding by the U.S. Army for use in battlefield and emergency situations. For now the device is marketed for personal educational and informational purposes only, as it has not been cleared for medical use.
The hand hygiene police go mobile: Hand hygiene observers now have a new tool to record your hand-hygiene behavior more efficiently. iScrub Lite is an application for the iPhone and iPad to monitor hand-hygiene compliance. Instead of using old-fashioned pencil and paper, observers can now record your compliance or non-compliance with a swipe of the finger. Observation data can then be emailed or exported to a spreadsheet.
Rice University students turn a salad spinner into a centrifuge: It may not be a mobile health device, strictly speaking, but we couldn’t help noting this clever global health innovation: As part of a global health class at Rice University, students Lila Kerr and Lauren Theis decided to build a human-powered centrifuge that developing countries could build for around $30, made from a salad spinner and other cheap parts. Their assignment was to build a tool that could diagnose anemia without electricity and they came up with the “Sally Centrifuge.” Learn more about medical device innovation in the developing world at the World Health Medical Technology Conference May 17.
A weekly roundup of new developments in wireless medical technology and mHealth, by MedGadget.com.