Wearable technology was big at CES 2014.  We saw a multitude of wearable devices that not only keep track of our daily activities but also connect us to our mobile devices.  Yet there’s more to wearable devices than just attaining your Quantified Self as it can be used for medical diagnostics.

This week’s Wearable Tech roundup features iHealth Labs’ three new devices that would help doctors learn more about their patients.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor

This device is intended to be worn inside a vest for 24 hours of uninterrupted monitoring.  It connects with a mobile device via Bluetooth LE or with a computer using a USB cable.  The Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor can be set to acquire a reading at regular intervals of 15, 30, 45, 60 or 120 minutes which will give doctors more insight in cases of suspected nocturnal hypertension, “white-coat” hypertension or resistant hypertension where anti-hypertensive medications fail to control high blood pressure.

The ABPM is compatible with iOS and Android devices, uses a rechargeable battery, and can store up to 200 measurements or readings.

Wireless Ambulatory Electrocardiogram

image via iHealth

Ambulatory ECGs are used to test for abnormal heart rate or rhythm, as extended measurement periods deliver more results.  The thing is, it can be a bit tricky to wear since it has many wires and you could end up looking like someone with a bomb strapped to their chest.

iHealth’s Wireless Ambulatory ECG looks like a home phone receiver, but is slimmer and directly attaches to the user’s chest under the shirt.  Collected data is transferred to a user’s mobile device, and is automatically sent to the cloud where your doctor has access.  It connects with your iOS device via Bluetooth LE or use a USB cable to transfer data to a PC.  It uses a rechargeable battery and stores up to 72 hours of data.

Wireless Pulse Oximeter

This little device is designed for continuous monitoring of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate.  It has a fingertip sensor that directly connects to a wristband where you can see the readings.  It is designed to be worn during normal daily activity or while sleeping, as pulse oximeters are usually used to detect OSAS (Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome), COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and sleep apnea.  The device stores up to 1,000 hours of data, uses Bluetooth LE to connect with iOS devices and select Android devices.