What is medical sensor tech and why is it so important?

One of the most talked-about trends in modern health, personal sensor tech has proven to be popular with the public and especially so during the current pandemic. But with so many people talking about it, it’s easy to get confused with the wide range of options or fail to see what all the fuss is about.  

trends in modern health, personal sensor tech has proven to be popular with the public and especially so during the current pandemic. But with so many people talking about it, it’s easy to get confused with the wide range of options or fail to see what all the fuss is about.  

So, what exactly is sensor tech, and do you need to add one to the bottom of your bag?

What is it?

Simply put, medical sensor tech allows users to take accurate, timely readings about their personal vitals. This can range from blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and more. This allows users to quickly understand their personal health and – if their readings are potentially worrying – continue to monitor the situation and take appropriate action if necessary.

Thanks to hardware and software advancements, these are often small, robust, and energy-efficient. This allows them to be carried without any change to your schedule and to carry out discrete checks in public if you are concerned.

Why is it in the news?

The threat posed by COVID 19 has dominated the headlines and seen many practitioners gather evidence to better understand the virus. While data is still being gathered, many patients have shown reduced blood oxygen levels in the lead up to displaying symptoms or during their period of recovery. This has led the NHS to discharge individuals with blood pulse oximeters to help monitor their health and track their recovery.

As a result, many individuals have chosen to pick up blood pulse oximeters as a precautionary measure to track their personal oxygen saturation and monitor if it falls into the low 90’s. While research is still ongoing, picking one up carries the potential to spot infection early or monitor your health if you are concerned about your care or are struggling with the management of an underlying health condition.

Do I need one?

While it is important to understand that there are as of yet no significant studies that fully validate the use of blood pulse oximeters in helping you manage the threat posed by COVID 19, they can be a helpful addition to your pandemic toolkit alongside masks, sanitizer, gloves, and other elements.

However, if you are thinking about picking one up it is important to think about your purchase and end-use.

If you are depending on one, it is vital that the model is sourced from a reputable provider – with brand leaders like Sensoronics or other competitors providing a guarantee of quality. Once acquired, it is essential that you familiarise yourself with the use of the device and double-check any readings taken to ensure accuracy.

It is also extremely important to manage your mental health and stress levels when going about your daily care. While it’s easy to measure the oxygen in your blood, it is much more difficult to secure an objective understanding of your mental health. If you are struggling, be sure to reach out to a relevant provider and secure the support you need.