Diagnostics

DULUTH, Ga. — As part of a realignment to "focus on wellness plans for major employers," SoloHealth founder Bart Foster has stepped down as CEO of the company to assume a new role as chief strategy officer, according to a report in the Atlanta Business Chronicle published Thursday. 

Chairman Larry Gerdes will assume the role of CEO. The move will capitalize on the strengths of Foster — sales and strategy — Gerdes told the Chronicle. 

LOS ANGELES — A team of researchers from UCLA's Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science has developed a Google Glass application and a server platform that allow users of the wearable, glasses-like computer to perform instant, wireless diagnostic testing for a variety of diseases and health conditions.

EWING, N.J. — Church & Dwight on Tuesday announced that the Food and Drug Administration has cleared the First Response Gold Digital Pregnancy Test to determine if a woman is pregnant up to six days before her missed period and with more than 99% accuracy from the day of her expected period. In addition, the First Response Early Result Pregnancy Test, which was previously cleared to determine if a woman is pregnant up to six days before her missed period, also has been FDA-cleared to detect pregnancy with more than 99% accuracy from the day of her expected period. 

PHILADELPHIA — New research published in the March issue of the American Journal of Medicine suggests that there is an association between a difference in interarm systolic blood pressure and a significant increased risk for future cardiovascular events, leading researchers to recommend expanded clinical use of interarm blood-pressure measurement.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Omron Healthcare on Monday launched the Alvita Ultimate Pedometer, which replaces its HJ-112 model. The new pedometer uses Tri-Axis technology to count steps accurately almost anywhere the device is positioned, including the hip, pocket or a purse. It has four activity modes for both regular and aerobic activities, and stores up to seven days of information on the display.

SAN FRANCISCO — AliveCor on Monday announced that the Food and Drug Administration has granted the company over-the-counter clearance for the AliveCor Heart Monitor, a single-channel ECG (electrocardiogram) recorder, previously available by prescription only. The device is available now for pre-order purchase with shipments beginning in March.