All eyes on pioneering health trial
Project measures vital signs
Perthshire-based Alba Medical Sciences has a research project they are looking to deliver in collaboration with NHS Ninewells.
The year-long project from the Blairgowrie firm will be the first of its kind to trial new optical technologies and computer algorithms to remotely diagnose a person’s state of health. Importantly, it could help detect minute early signs of COVID-19.
Special technology detects minute increments of change to human body temperature. It works by remote communication going between clinician and patient that allows a consultation to be held in a safe environment, avoiding illness being transmitted by the two being in the same room.
Alba Medical Sciences has launched a GoFundMe appeal for funding to get the project based at Ninewells Hospital off to a flying start.
Working in collaboration with NHS Ninewells and with support from Dundee, St Andrews, and Abertay Universities, the Alba Vital Scan project is scheduled to run for a year starting in January 2021.
It has the potential to revolutionise the way in which a patient’s health is assessed whilst at the same time protecting NHS staff.
The GoFundMe appeal launched on December 8 with a target of £120,000. The money raised will give 12 months to the research project.
Grant Rooney, founder of Alba Medical Sciences, explained the motivation for the project came from “the sad fact” that one in five of COVID-19 patients are healthcare workers.
He commented: “The FLIR scientific infrared hardware and software we work with is highly advanced and is frequently used in military and space applications.
“We know that we can use this technology to detect minute increments of the human body temperature. When linked to other technologies, we believe we can also measure heart rate, respiration rate, CO2 and bloodoxygen levels.
“These are the vital signs used by healthcare professionals to assess patients and to make a diagnosis on their general state of health. At present, measuring these vital signs requires some form of attached device and physical contact between patient and healthcare professional, leaving the latter exposed to potential infection, even when using PPE.
“We will be working with NHS Ninewells on the Alba Vital Scan project over the next twelve months, developing and applying the latest mix of optical sensor technology to measure an individual’s vital signs without physical contact.
“Software will be used to analyse the data and produce a predictive medical diagnosis.
“All of the hardware will be contained within a mobile robotic device, with remote communication between clinician and patient that allows a consultation to be held in a safe environment.”
Alba Medical Sciences is a division of Alba Building Sciences Ltd, established in 1995. It has recently been working with locally-based enterprise support service GrowBiz.
Jackie Brierton, CEO of GrowBiz, said: “The fact that such a pioneering project has been developed in rural Scotland demonstrates the importance of supporting our rural businesses.”
The funding appeal is looking to raise £120,000 to go through the various stages of research and development and deliver a final product by December 2021.
Full details about the Alba Vital Scan Project can be found at www. albamedicalsciences.scot