A new device to monitor oxygen levels in newborns
Official title: SCH: A Novel Bias-mitigated Multimodal Oxygen Monitor
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-10913629 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new wearable device that helps keep an eye on important oxygen levels in newborns with breathing issues after they leave the hospital, making it easier for parents to monitor their little ones at home and improve their chances of staying healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Worcester Polytechnic Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $284,115 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172293-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10913629 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are neonates who have been treated in the NICU for respiratory distress and require ongoing monitoring after discharge.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have respiratory issues or who are not neonates may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel wearable device that can noninvasively measure two critical respiratory parameters, PtcO2 and SpO2, in neonates. By combining these measurements, the device aims to provide reliable remote monitoring for infants with fragile respiratory conditions after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The goal is to improve outpatient management and enhance the chances of survival for these vulnerable patients. The approach involves advanced biosensing techniques to ensure accurate and continuous monitoring of oxygen levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved home monitoring for neonates, reducing the need for invasive procedures and enhancing their safety and health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing noninvasive monitoring techniques, but this specific approach of combining PtcO2 and SpO2 measurements is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guler, Ulkuhan — Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Study coordinator: Guler, Ulkuhan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.