If you’re the sort that always wants to know how your health is at any given time, a new accessory for the iPhone has turned up that will let you see how much oxygen is in your blood. The device comes from a company called Masimo and is the iSpO2.
The device plugs into a 30-pin connector on the bottom of an iPhone or iPad and interfaces with a free app. While pulse oximetry technology is used in hospitals around the world to determine how much oxygen is in the blood of people who are sick, Masimo says this device isn’t for medical use. Instead, it’s suggesting the device for hikers, climbers, and pilots who want to know how much oxygen is in the blood at any given time.
How the iSpO2 Works
The iSpO2 device operates by using a sensor that clips onto your fingertip. This sensor uses light to measure the oxygen saturation in your blood, a method known as pulse oximetry. The light passes through your skin and the device measures the amount of light absorbed by the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood. This data is then sent to the iPhone or iPad via the 30-pin connector, where the app processes and displays the information in an easy-to-read format.
The app not only shows real-time oxygen saturation levels but also tracks your pulse rate and perfusion index. These additional metrics can provide a more comprehensive picture of your overall cardiovascular health. The app can store your readings over time, allowing you to monitor trends and changes in your health metrics. You can also export this data in various formats, making it easy to share with other health apps or even your healthcare provider.
Applications and Benefits
While the iSpO2 is not intended for medical use, it offers several benefits for specific groups of people. For instance, hikers and climbers often find themselves at high altitudes where oxygen levels can be significantly lower. By using the iSpO2, they can monitor their oxygen levels and take necessary precautions to avoid altitude sickness, which can be dangerous if not managed properly.
Pilots, especially those flying non-pressurized aircraft, can also benefit from this device. Monitoring oxygen levels can help them ensure they are not experiencing hypoxia, a condition caused by insufficient oxygen, which can impair cognitive and motor functions.
Athletes can use the iSpO2 to monitor their oxygen levels during intense training sessions. Understanding how their body responds to different levels of exertion can help them optimize their training routines and improve performance. For example, endurance athletes like marathon runners or cyclists can use the data to fine-tune their training and recovery strategies.
The company has stated US FDA 510 (k) clearance is pending. Whether or not that means it will be appropriate for medical use after that approval is given is unknown. The device sells for about $250, and the app will store your readings and export them in various formats to share with other apps or your doctor.
In addition to its primary function, the iSpO2 app offers several user-friendly features. It includes customizable alarms that alert you when your oxygen levels fall below a certain threshold, ensuring you can take immediate action if necessary. The app also provides detailed graphs and charts, making it easier to visualize your health data over time.
In summary, the iSpO2 by Masimo is a versatile and innovative device that brings hospital-grade pulse oximetry technology to your iPhone or iPad. While it is not intended for medical use, it offers valuable insights for hikers, climbers, pilots, and athletes who want to monitor their oxygen levels and overall cardiovascular health. With its pending FDA clearance, the iSpO2 could potentially become a more widely accepted tool for health monitoring in the future.
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