Mini lab-in-a-box tracks health at the molecular level

Cue allows anyone to monitor their health at a molecular level through a small at-home lab that analyzes samples for various health metrics.

It’s inevitable that as health tracking becomes more mainstream, businesses will need to set themselves apart in order to win over consumers. We recently wrote about Bitbite the in-ear tracker that monitors jaw movements and tells diners when they’re eating too fast. Now Cue allows anyone to monitor their health at a molecular level through a small at-home lab that analyzes samples for various health metrics.

Taking the form of a small box that can fit onto a desktop, the device is able to track 5 different health metrics — inflammation, vitamin D levels, fertility, influenza and testosterone levels. Users take a tiny sample of blood, saliva or a nostril swab and place it inside the Cue box. It then analyzes the sample and produces data within minutes by sending the results to the user’s smartphone. The information is presented as easy-to-understand inforgraphics and also offers diet and lifestyle recommendations based on how the results differ from their usual stats.

Watch the video below for more information about Cue:

Cue can be pre-ordered for USD 199, and customers will be able to monitor their health using similar technology as their GP, enabling them to self-diagnose illnesses or work out the cause of their symptoms. The portability and relative inexpensiveness of the device could also mean it has use as a healthcare tool in remote or poverty-stricken locations. Are there other ways to redesign professional-level equipment as a consumer product?