iStethoscope App is a Genuine Lifesaver

Maura · Aug 31, 2010

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVDLS6DAT98[/ame]

The Guardian reports today on an iPhone app called the iStethoscope which it says has already been downloaded by more than three million people. The app was the brainchild of Peter Bentley, a researcher at University College London, and was originally only intended to be used as a toy. According to the Guardian though, the app has turned out to be much more than a toy, and is now being downloaded by over 500 users a day. Experts are already saying that the app has saved lives in remote areas.

The iStethoscope uses the iPhone's built-in microphone to monitor a patient's heartbeat when the iPhone is held against their chest. The iPhone is then shaken so that the user can listen to the last eight seconds of the recording, while on the phone screen they can view a phonocardiograph display and a spectogram, which can then be saved and sent to a specialist doctor.

"Smartphones are incredibly powerful devices packed full of sensors, cameras, high-quality microphones with amazing displays," Bentley told the Guardian. "They are capable of saving lives, saving money and improving healthcare in a dramatic fashion and we carry these massively powerful computers in our pockets."

The iStethoscope Pro app costs $0.99/£0.59, and you can download it here.

JediCreator · Aug 31, 2010

very nice i like it.

thanks

Rizzla · Aug 31, 2010

I don't really get this app..? Yeah perhaps if you where in the military and your friend got shot or something, but, no don't really get it..
Is there any processing on how the heart beat is like, and the app tell you to probably seek a doctor because irregular heart beat? just asking, if so, then I would see the use of this app.