Vancouver-based LionsGate Technologies has announced it will launch what it says is a revolutionary interface tool that will turn any smartphone, laptop or tablet into a mobile health monitor, providing real-time vital signs information.
The Vital Signs DSP interface will be able to provide precise readings of blood oxygen levels, body temperature and blood pressure using sensors connected through the port of any mobile device, according to the company. The results will be displayed on screen.
No external signal processors, microcontrollers or power sources are required.
Dr. Mark Ansermino, associate professor, department of anesthesiology, pharmacology and therapeutics at the University of British Columbia, is part of the team that developed the technology.
"Pairing medical diagnostics with mobile phones will greatly advance the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of critical diseases in developing countries," said Ansermino.
"The availability of portable, easy-to-use and affordable mobile health monitoring technology will move medical diagnostics from the hospital to non-hospital settings, helping reduce global health inequities and improving health outcomes worldwide."
LionsGate Technologies is a spin-off of the University of British Columbia, the Child & Family Research Institute and BC Children's Hospital.
Field testing and research and development has been conducted in both North America and emerging markets including Uganda, funded in part by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Grand Challenges Canada.
The product is expected to be available in 2013.
