Bluetooth Technology Chosen As Health Device Standard

The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) has announced the selection of Bluetooth wireless technology by Continua Health Alliance, the industry coalition of health care and technology companies charged with establishing a system of interoperable personal telehealth solutions.

The Continua Health Alliance is a non-profit, open industry group of healthcare, technology and fitness companies.

"Continua's choice of Bluetooth low energy technology - a specification in development at this time and expected to be adopted by the end of the year - underscores the excitement and need for this Bluetooth wireless standard in the telehealth arena," said Michael Foley, Ph.D., executive director, Bluetooth SIG.

Chosen over several other wireless technologies after a rigorous 10-month review process, Bluetooth technology was selected to enable low power mobile devices such as activity monitors and heart rate sensors to be used to monitor a user's health and fitness levels.

"The Bluetooth SIG brings not only a superb wireless technology to our Design Guidelines, but a state-of-the-art testing and qualification program to our members," said Rick Cnossen, Continua president and chairman of the Board of Directors. "The continued choice to work with Bluetooth wireless technology and the Bluetooth SIG is a natural extension for Continua."

Posted to the site on 8th June 2009