Bias-reduced wearable that measures two types of oxygen for newborns
Official title: SCH: A Novel Bias-mitigated Multimodal Oxygen Monitor
Funded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute · NIH-11181259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing a small, easy-to-use wearable that measures both blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and skin-diffused oxygen (PtcO2) to help monitor newborns with breathing problems at home.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $269,972 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL172293-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11181259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Newborns recently treated in the NICU for respiratory distress or infants who need close oxygen monitoring at home are the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
Healthy infants without respiratory problems and older children or adults who need different monitoring devices would likely not benefit from this neonatal-focused device.
What this research studies
As a parent, this project aims to create a tiny wearable sensor that measures both SpO2 and transcutaneous oxygen (PtcO2) so you get a fuller picture of your baby’s breathing. The team combines optical sensors and skin-diffusion sensors with algorithms designed to reduce bias across different skin tones and body types. They will validate the device in the lab and compare its readings to standard blood gas tests and clinical monitors in NICUs. The goal is a safe, comfortable home monitor that supports earlier discharge and better outpatient care for fragile infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make home monitoring of fragile newborns safer and allow earlier, more confident discharge from the NICU.
How similar studies have gone: Standard pulse oximeters reliably measure SpO2, but combining transcutaneous PaO2 measurement with SpO2 in a compact, bias-mitigated wearable is novel and not yet widely validated clinically.
Where this research is happening
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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.