Pediatric diagnostic tool wins Grand Challenges Canada competition

U of A news staff - 20 September 2018

A 'multimometer' device developed by UAlberta researchers is transforming the ability to identify life-threatening conditions.

A new device developed by Israel Amirav and Michael Hawkes of the Department of Pediatrics won $100,000 from Grand Challenges Canada for its potential to save the lives of children in the developing world.

Called a multimometer, the simple-to-use point-of-care device is used like an oral thermometer but simultaneously measures a child's key vital signs-respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation and heart rate- making pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions more accurately and efficiently identifiable.

It was one of only 20 ideas from across Canada that won Grand Challenges prizes, awarded by Global Affairs Canada and other partners.