With a growing number of medical monitoring devices being developed for use at home, the healthcare technology world is in a fever of excitement over what people in the industry are describing as “the biggest innovation in home medicine since the thermometer.” Companies are now and in the near future bringing new devices to market that allow patients to collect a wide range of information on their physical condition.

People will soon be able to buy:

• – A sensor that when held to the temple for ten seconds collects data on pulse rate, electrical heart activity, temperature, heart rate variability and blood oxygenation.
• – Disposable cartridges that analyze saliva or urine to detect pregnancy complications, gestational diabetes, kidney failure, urinary tract infections, strep throat and different strains of influenza.
• – Temporary tattoos with embedded sensors that can check the skin for pH changes and salt levels to test for metabolic diseases or fitness levels in athletes.

Mobile apps track much of the data collected by these devices and may even offer a personal health feed to monitor vital signs and identify patterns over time. In the rapidly changing world of medical technology, these tools can lead to better, smarter care for more people, saving time and money.