Researchers with the Scripps Translational Science Institute have completed enrollment in the first clinical trial of the Scanadu Scout, a wireless health sensor that measures four vital signs in a few seconds by touching the device to the forehead.
"As more wireless health sensors become available to consumers, it is critical that these technologies undergo independent, scientific testing to validate their effectiveness and value," said Dr. Eric Topol, who directs STSI and serves as chief academic officer at Scripps Health. "This study fully reflects the institute’s mission of clinical validation of promising digital technology before it goes into mainstream medicine.”
Enrollment in the study was recently closed after participation surpassed 4,000 people. Participants were recruited from more than 5,000 people in the U.S. who invested in the device through a record-breaking Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign. Those investors were the first consumers to receive the device earlier this year.
Scanadu made headlines last year when it became one of 10 finalists competing for the $10 million Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, a global technology challenge named for the San Diego-based wireless telecommunications company and the fictional hand-held wireless medical device depicted in the “Star Trek” series.
Additional stories from the San Diego Business Journal are available here. Sign up for their free daily email newsletter.
