Home Flu Test Kit Available Soon
Cue, a technology-based company in California, introduced a new device that could track medical stats more thoroughly. People can do medical tests at home or anywhere else by using their biofluid sample on this health tracker. It can be used to monitor five lifestyle indicators: fertility, vitamin D, testosterone levels, inflammation and influenza.
In 2009 during the global swine-flu pandemic, Cue co-founder Ayub Khattak and Clint Sever thought of creating a handy health device that people can use to test for an infection. That way, people do not need to wait in line at the hospital for an appointment or go to the laboratory for diagnostics.
This 3-inch tall device consists of a set of single-use cartridges and the Sample Wand. Body fluid sample from a drop of blood, saliva, or nasal swab is collected using the Sample Wand and placed on a cartridge. Cue examines the sample and analyses it. In just minutes, Cue sends information to the user's smartphone. The Cue smartphone application allows users to receive health advisory and related information regarding their health. It also has a FluMap feature, so users can be informed of flu incidence in their area.
Sherpa Ventures, a San Francisco-based venture capital firm, initiated a $7.5 million investment in Cue. Other participants in the securities offering include former Obama campaign manager Jim Messina, Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, and Salesforce.com chief executive Marc Benioff.
Shervin Pishevar of Sherpa Ventures said, "Cue is a prime example of the 'on demand' economy applied to health and wellness. We exist at a moment where major companies in the tech space are entering the consumer health space, and I believe that Cue's solution pushes the envelope and has enormous potential to change the way consumers interact with and understand their health."
At this time, Cue works in partnership with PCH International, a manufacturing solutions company, to launch mass production by mid-2015. The pre-order period for this health tracker has closed. Interested buyers can enlist themselves in the wait list on the Cue Web site.
The company is expecting Food and Drug Administration approval by the end of 2015.