Discovery and Innovation

Reveal Biosensors is pleased to introduce you to the first Cellular Energy Monitor that provides a new measurement that we call Cellular Energy Index (CEi). ​The discovery of this new biomarker occurred during bench testing of a prototype reflectance pulse oximeter designed for placement on the chest of premature newborn infants. The source of the CEi signal is the unused, average, non-pulsatile portions of the red and infrared light signals used by pulse oximeters to measure blood oxygen level. Pulse oximeters and wearables from Apple, Oura, Whoop, Owlet, and others use only the tiny pulsatile photoplethysmogram (PPG) portion of the signals to derive SpO2 and heart rate information. SpO2 covers the insufficient (hypoxemia) to normal range of blood oxygen saturation but is compromised by sensor motion and skin pigment. By comparison, the motion- and skin pigment-tolerant CEi signal, sampled once per second, responds up to 45 seconds before changes in SpO2 and indicates the full range from insufficient to excessive oxygen supply to the cells of the skin. Our experimental evidence indicates that the new CEi data is an analog of cellular oxygen utilization. This simple to use sensor is conveniently worn on the upper arm where it is comfortable enough for use during sleep and out of the way of activities during the day. The real-time information is stored on the sensor and can be communicated by Bluetooth and recorded and displayed on a smartphone, or by Bluetooth to a network node in a surgical operating room, hospital ward, assisted living facility, or skilled nursing facility.

     As an adjunct to existing physiologic information, CEi offers new insights that may lead to breakthrough advancements in modern medical care throughout the human lifespan. The following graphs portray data acquired during preliminary testing with adult subjects comparing CEi with SpO2 and other existing biometrics.​