Apple Watch and COVID: Apple Seeks Diagnosis

The health functions of the Apple Watch are undoubtedly a help in the day-to-day life of users. Being able to detect signs of atrial fibrillation or sleep apnea undoubtedly positions it as one of the best wearables on the market. Now Apple wants to go one step further in order to detect some signs that are related to COVID-19. In this article we tell you about the new study published by the company with a highly relevant hospital.

The Apple Watch against COVID-19

With the launch of the Apple Watch Series 6, many people believed that it could detect COVID-19 as if it were a PCR. This was obviously not true as measurements cannot be taken with sufficient clinical judgment. Now the company wants to investigate the application of sensors in this regard. A collaborative study has been initiated with the University of Washington and the Seattle Flu Research Group.

Apple Watch and COVID: Apple Seeks Diagnosis

The objective of this study is to verify if the information that is collected by the Apple Watch can detect early symptoms of COVID-19. Participants in the study will be required to arrive an Apple Watch for 6 months that will collect information on health and activity. In addition, they will also be asked to carry out different surveys on respiratory symptoms. In the event that the user under study begins to become ill, a PCR will be performed to search for the PCR positive and be able to provide the necessary data for the study.

sensor apple watch

Where they will most emphasize without a doubt is the heart rate as well as the oxygen saturation in the blood. These are the two pieces of information that can ultimately determine early signs of COVID-19. For example, a higher than normal heart rate is a sign of fever that is undoubtedly a clear symptom of COVID and low oxygen saturation may be related to the lung condition.

Will the Apple Watch be decisive in a diagnosis?

Unfortunately, having multiple signs is not the same as having a critical diagnostic test. Obviously we will have to wait for these data to come from studies that are undoubtedly quite serious. Although, as we have repeated on several occasions, the Apple Watch is not a medical product as such. For example, when an electrocardiogram is done, atrial fibrillation can be detected but it is always recommended to go to a medical center to have a final diagnosis. In addition, it must be emphasized that this is simply a study announcement and there is still no definitive data that can be expected by the end of the year or even 2022.

In the end, a PCR or an antigen determination is the definitive test to be able to determine if the virus is in the body. All that can be provided are symptoms that point to this diagnosis but it must be emphasized that it is in no case definitive. It should also be noted that this study is focused on the ‘traditional’ flu that is also very present in humanity and that lasts.