UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY, CA, USA. A group of engineers created a practical electronic device to measure vital signs. It is a new organic optoelectronic sensor which can measure your pulse-rate and blood oxygen. Unlike the traditional pulse oximeter that you put on your fingers or earlobes, this device can easily worn like an ordinary Band-Aid making it more convenient. The device may be the future of fitness trackers and wearable medical devices.

The conventional oximeter is made of silicon and because of its components, is quite expensive. This new carbon-based design is very affordable and can be acquired by everyone. They are also so flexible that it isn’t even noticeable when it is worn. The research team tested the device against the traditional pulse oximeter and it showed the same accurate results.

The development of this new electronic device was headed by Ana Arias, an associate professor of electrical engineering and computer science. The UC team used green and red light for the organic sensors which help detect the level of oxygen in the blood. By using a solution-based processing system, green and red organic LEDS are then placed onto the small elastic plastic together with the light indicator. The pulse is then measured by identifying the blood flows diagram.

According to Arias, the device works if you use unconventional semiconductors and take measurements with different wavelengths. This sensor can easily adapt to the body because of the flexibility of organic electrons. Amazingly, unlike the traditional oximeter, you do not need to sanitize afterwards. Made cost effectively, the device allows for easy disposal just like a band-aid. On December 10, 2014, the team had announced their discovery in the journal Nature Communications.

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