Scanadu

All sides of a Scanadu Scout First Edition. It is approximately 6 cm in circumference and 1.6 cm in height. This device was used in the trial until it become dysfunctional.

Scanadu is a health technology company that was founded with the goal of developing consumer-focused health products. The company gained significant attention for its development of the Scanadu Scout, a device designed to monitor and analyze physiological parameters. The concept behind Scanadu and its products is deeply rooted in the digital health movement, which aims to leverage technology to improve health outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery, and empower individuals to take charge of their own health.

History

Scanadu was founded in the early 2010s with a mission to revolutionize the way people understand and manage their health. The company was inspired by the Tricorder device from the Star Trek series, which could non-invasively scan a person and instantly diagnose their condition. Scanadu set out to turn this science fiction into reality by creating a real-world equivalent that could provide users with immediate health metrics.

Scanadu Scout

The flagship product of Scanadu, the Scanadu Scout, was designed as a compact, handheld device that could measure a variety of vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation levels. The device worked by being placed on the forehead of a user, where it would then sync with a smartphone app to display the collected health data. The Scanadu Scout represented a significant step forward in consumer health technology, offering a level of insight into personal health metrics that was previously unavailable to the general public.

Impact and Challenges

Scanadu's approach to health monitoring highlighted the potential of mobile health (mHealth) technologies to transform healthcare. By making it easier for individuals to track their own health metrics, devices like the Scanadu Scout promised to facilitate a more proactive approach to health and wellness. However, Scanadu also faced challenges, particularly in the realm of regulatory approval. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stringent requirements for medical devices, and navigating these regulations proved to be a significant hurdle for the company.

Future Directions

While the initial buzz around Scanadu and the Scanadu Scout has waned, the legacy of the company continues to influence the digital health landscape. The concept of a handheld, non-invasive diagnostic device has inspired further innovation in the field, with other companies and researchers working to bring similar technologies to market. The vision of empowering individuals with real-time access to their own health data remains a driving force in the ongoing evolution of health technology.

See Also

• Digital Health
• Mobile Health
• Health Technology
• Wearable Technology