VitalConnect has obtained emergency use authorisation (EUA) status from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its VitalPatch wearable biosensor as part of the response to Covid-19.

With the authorisation, VitalConnect will be able to further improve the VitalPatch capabilities and continuous patient monitoring technology known as the Vista Solution.

VitalPatch monitors heart-related side effects of hydroxychloroquine and other treatments related to Covid-19.

The biosensor is now authorised to detect changes in the QT interval of patients who are undergoing drug treatment for Covid-19 in hospitals.

Drugs such as hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are used for the treatment of the disease and can cause prolonged QT intervals for patients and may also lead to arrhythmias.

Clinicians can leverage VitalConnect QT interval detection capabilities to remotely and continuously monitor patients in real time who are expected to develop QT interval prolongation due to their treatment for Covid-19.

VitalConnect chief medical officer Dr Joe Roberson said: “Covid-19 presents a myriad of symptoms and clinicians need access to medical devices that allow them to monitor and manage those symptoms in real time in order to create the most appropriate treatment plans for each individual.

“The enhancement of the VitalPatch receiving emergency use authorisation for QT interval detection will enable this platform to further support clinicians who are on the frontlines of treating this virus.”

A total of 11 physiological vitals, including body temperature, heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate and blood oxygen saturation levels, can be continuously measured by Vista Solution together with the VitalPatch and optional third-party devices.

The VitalPatch can monitor a broad set of patient vitals and can also detect QT interval changes.

Related: Sensyne Health launches remote blood pressure monitor in response to Covid 19