Frequently asked questions
1. What is HealthCheck and how does it work?
HealthCheck is a mobile health monitoring application that uses a wearable device (patch) connected to a mobile phone for monitoring a user's vital signs for physiological changes that may indicate illness or infection. HealthCheck's app will alert users to theses changes that may afftect their health so they can take appropriate action.
2. How does the device connect to my mobile phone?
The communication between the patch (device) and the edge device (mobile phone) is via Bluetooth. The phone needs to turn the Bluetooth ON in order to get the data from the patch.
3. What happens if Bluetooth goes out or does not connect?
If the Bluetooth is out of range or temporarily off, the patch will still be able to record and store in the cache for up to 24 hours. When the Bluetooth connection is back that data can be retrieved from the cache.
4. Is it secure?
Yes, data in transit between device (patch) and mobile phone is through an encrypted connection. Data is stored encrypted, securely in the cloud.
5. Can I go through a smart gate or security machine with the device on or will I have to take it off?
The device (patch) will NOT interfere with the functionality and behavior of security screening machines or smart gates. Also, the device will not be damaged, nor the data impacted, going through the security screening machines or smart gates.
6. Will the device (patch) interfere with pacemakers or any other medical device the user may have?
For external defibrillator, the device (patch) has no interaction with the defibrillator activity. In fact, the ECG patch has been found to be defibrillator safe during defibrillation (i.e., the patch may be damaged by, but NOT interfering with the defib shocks
For implanted pacemakers or internal defib, we do not have the full test data to recommend using our patch with it. However, since the internal defib shock is not as strong as the external defib, one can expect a similar behavior (i.e., the patch may be damaged by, but NOT interfering with the defib shocks).
7. Is there a warranty period for the device?
There is a one-year warranty on the devices (patches).
8. Covid-19 testing is currently being used to for travel, safe return to work or school, why would anyone want to use wearable devices to monitor for Covid 19?
There are two types of tests for Covid-19: PCR and antigen. The PCR test tells you if you have a current infection. The antigen test tells you if you had a past infection. Both the PCR test and the antigen test have limited duration. From the CDC: “If you test negative, you probably were not infected at the time your sample was collected. The test result only means that you did not have COVID-19 at the time of testing. Continue to take steps to protect yourself.” In other words, both tests are a snapshot of your health the moment the test was taken. You could become infected the minute after, although that’s not likely. HealthCheck’s monitoring system, on the other hand is a daily picture of your health as well your health history for a specified period. If changes in your physiological signs are detected, the app will warn you to take an appropriate action. An added benefit is HealthCheck wearable devices are reusable and rechargeable. This makes it a more affordable alternative to testing, which costs between $120 and $200 per test. Continuous testing is expensive. Over time, HealthCheck’s cost would be much lower--device is MSRP $300 plus $10 monthly service fee and users can monitor daily.
9. Now that the vaccine is available, is there a need for HealthCheck’s monitoring system?
While vaccine is available, the initial supply will not meet demand and there are those that would be put at risk by getting the vaccine. HealthCheck’s covid monitoring can help those who are not vaccinated monitor their physiological signs for early warning and peace of mind.
There are possible side effects from the vaccine that one may want to watch for using HealthChceck’s monitoring capabilities.
10. Can I use a FitBit or AppleWatch instead of HealthCheck to monitor for Covid-19?
While consumer-grade wearables such as FitBits and AppleWatches offer physical activity measurements and monitor heart rate, they are not FDA cleared for remote monitoring* Accuracy and data quality of consumer grade wearables are not at the level of medical grade devices. Placement of sensors also affects data quality. Consumer wearables are worn on the wrist which is not optimal for data capture. HealthCheck’s patches are medical grade, FDA cleared, and CE marked and placed on the body area for best data capture.
11. What happens to HealthCheck users once the Covid-19 pandemic is over?
HealthCheck is a mobile health (mHealth) platform that monitors an individual’s vital signs for physiological changes that may indicate an illness. We do this by using a mobile device connected to biosensors (remote patient monitoring). We focused first on detection of Covid- 19’s early changes to vital signs because of the urgent nature of the pandemic. However, we are continuing to develop algorithms for health monitoring post Covid-19.
*The AppleWatch 4 is FDA cleared for episodic electrocardiography and irregular rhythm notification for adults above the age or 22, but with the specification that the watch is not intended to replace clinical diagnostic tools
