In-ear sensor successfully monitors COVID-19 patients at home

“New research from the Technical University of Munich has found remote monitoring of COVID-19 patients can effectively identify the earliest stages of deterioration and admit them to hospital for necessary treatment. The system uses an in-ear sensor to measure and transmit data in near real-time to doctors who then evaluate when patients need hospital admission. . . . The sensor resembles a small hearing aid and contains a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor element, a contact temperature sensor and an accelerometer. It can measure heart rate, core body temperature, blood oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate.  The device connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth and takes measurements of vital signs every 15 minutes. The data is then transmitted to a telemedicine center allowing for constant oversight from a team of doctors.”   MORE

Image Credit:  Andreas Heddergott / TUM. NewAtlas.com