Editor’s Note: This post is part of a COVID-19 success stories series. 

Sibel Health is a non-traditional small business and member of the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC). The DoD recently awarded Sibel Health $2.4 million through an MTEC award to support the development and deployment of its wearable COVID-19 monitoring sensor. The device sits at the base of the throat and uses an electrocardiogram and motion sensor to measure subtle vibrations from the body, collecting heart rate, breathing, coughing, and temperature data. A second paired device monitors blood oxygenation levels and non-invasive continuous blood pressure while wrapped around the finger. The data outputs may be stored on the sensor or displayed on a smartphone. The data provided measures common symptoms associated with COVID-19 in an effort to detect infection at an early stage to help stop the virus spread.

The monitoring device was tested on frontline healthcare workers and high-risk patients, including three double-lung transplant survivors. While the sensors were developed to detect COVID-19 infection, they could also be applied to other viruses, such as influenza and RSV, which threaten the lives of thousands of people every year. The effort demonstrates the value of the OTA collaboration model in transitioning innovative technology from small businesses that have not typically done business with the government before.

About MTEC:

MTEC seeks to accelerate the delivery of technology and medical solutions that prevent and treat injuries and restore America’s military and veterans to full health.