FDA Clears Kinsa’s Smartphone-Connected Smart Thermometer

New York City startup Kinsa Health has won 510(k) clearance for its smartphone-connected thermometer for adults and children, the company announced Thursday.

Like any other thermometer, one end of the Smart Thermometer can be used orally, under the arm or rectally. The other end plugs into the headphone jack of the iPhone 4S, 5, 5C, 5S or iPod Touch and connects to the free app available in the iTunes store.

The screen is designed to distract a fussy child uncomfortable at having his or her temperature taken with floating graphics that can be manipulated simply by moving the phone. Patients have the option of storing temperature information in a personal profile, where each consecutive reading can be logged to create an overall picture for a doctor during an office visit. They can also join private groups, such as a child’s school, to track illnesses prevalent in institutions.

Kinsa hopes to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization to track illnesses prevalent in certain parts of the world, allowing patients to input symptoms and location as a diagnostic reference on the Smart Thermometer.

While the geographical features are still in development, the $14.99 device is available for preorder on Kinsa’s website. The first deliveries are expected in March or April, the company said. — Lena Freund

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