Home Testing for Respiratory Viruses: Can Wearables Help Us Catch Them Sooner?

Abstract

Catching respiratory illnesses early is crucial to prevent their spread and get proper treatment. This study explored the potential of using wearable sensors and self-reported symptoms to prompt people to test themselves for common viruses at home. We found that this approach holds promise for early detection, but also identified areas for improvement before widespread use.  

Introduction

Quickly identifying respiratory infections like COVID-19 and RSV is key to controlling their spread. Traditionally, this involves visiting a doctor's office or clinic. However, a new approach is gaining traction: home testing. This study investigated whether wearable sensors and self-reported symptoms could trigger timely home testing for these viruses.  

Study Design

We conducted a decentralized, randomized controlled trial involving 450 participants in the US. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups:

• Group 1: Received a wearable sensor (Fitbit Sense) and could be prompted to take home tests based on changes in their physiological data or self-reported symptoms.

• Group 2: Received a wearable sensor and home tests, triggered only by symptoms.

• Group 3: Control group with no wearable sensors or home tests.

The primary goal was to assess the feasibility of prompting home testing based on wearable data or symptoms and to measure how many participants actually used the home tests.

Results

• The trial successfully recruited and randomized participants.

• Over half (52%) were from underrepresented groups in research.

• Among those who received home tests (Groups 1 and 2), 39% were prompted to test.

• More prompts were triggered by symptoms (68%) than wearable data (32%).

• Out of those prompted, 52% successfully performed the home test.

• Of those tested, 31% were positive for a virus (all SARS-CoV-2).

• Notably, there were no adverse events related to the testing approach.

Interpretation

This study demonstrates the early feasibility of a program prompting home testing for respiratory viruses based on both symptoms and wearable data. However, areas for improvement were identified:

• Wearable sensors need better refinement to trigger testing more effectively.

• Strategies to increase participation rates in-home testing are necessary.

Conclusion

This study paves the way for utilizing wearable sensors and home testing to identify respiratory viruses. Further research will focus on optimizing technology and participant engagement to facilitate wider implementation of this promising approach.

Reference

Quer G, Coughlin E, Villacian J, et al. Feasibility of wearable sensor signals and self-reported symptoms to prompt at-home testing for acute respiratory viruses in the USA (DETECT-AHEAD): a decentralized, randomized controlled trial. Lancet Digit Health. 2024;6(8):e546-e554. doi:10.1016/S2589-7500(24)00096-7