Health Canada approves smartphone-based heart rate, blood oxygen device

LGTmedical’s Kenek O2 pulse oximeter, which enables people to monitor their blood oxygen level (SpO2) and heart rate through their smartphone and other mobile devices, has been cleared by Health Canada. (CNW Group/LionsGate Technologies, Inc.)

LionsGate Technologies, Inc., a privately-held medical device company, announced that its proprietary Kenek O2 pulse oximeter, which enables people to monitor their blood oxygen level (SpO2) and heart rate through their smartphone and other mobile devices, has been cleared by Health Canada for sale to consumers.

The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter is classified as a Class II medical device suitable for personal and clinical use. Developed in Canada by physician specialists and medical device engineers, the Kenek O2 technology consists of an app and a sensor that turns a smartphone or tablet into a clinically accurate medical device so people can spot-check their blood oxygen level and heart rate, two of the most important vital signs.

The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter uses a clinical-grade fingertip sensor that shines a light through tissue to precisely measure the pulse rate and blood oxygen level. The sensor can be connected to any iOS-compatible mobile device through the audio jack and driven directly by an app that displays the easy-to-read vital signs data on the smartphone or tablet screen. The company also announced today that it was granted a U.S. patent for its pulse oximetry technology.

“The availability of accurate, real-time physiological information can serve as an early-warning system for more serious health problems,” said Dr. Mark Ansermino, an anesthesiologist at BC Children’s Hospital and Chief Medical Officer of LGTmedical. “For many people, the Kenek O2 pulse oximeter could alert them to the need to call their doctor or go to the emergency room.”

The global mobile health (mHealth) market is projected to reach U.S. $23 billion by 2017, according to a 2012 study by Pricewaterhouse Coopers. The Kenek O2 pulse oximeter is available for sale in Canada without a prescription for $80.
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