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Early DETECTion Could Be the Key to Infection Prevention

Early DETECTion Could Be the Key to Infection Prevention

Photo of Jennifer Radin, PhD

Jennifer Radin, PhD

Imagine a world in which we can predict virus outbreak ahead of time — allowing us to stop the spread earlier and possibly save lives.

Now imagine that you can be a part of this potentially lifesaving work, simply by participating in a health research study. Thanks to DETECT, you can! An innovative study being conducted by Scripps Research, one of the world’s premier academic research institutions, DETECT is connecting you with the brightest minds in biomedical science to find answers to complicated questions, like those that have arisen out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers like Jennifer Radin, PhD, an epidemiologist who specializes in the use of technology to improve infectious disease prediction.

About this groundbreaking research study, Dr. Radin says, “Sensor-based surveillance can offer a way to continuously track individuals when they are healthy and characterize their typical baseline and typical variation. When someone gets sick with a virus, we can identify early subtle changes compared to their baseline, rather than population averages, that may indicate viral illness outset.”

Join Dr. Radin and the DETECT study team in this impactful research study and make a difference in the future of disease detection.

Imagine a world in which we can predict virus outbreak ahead of time – allowing us to stop the spread earlier and possibly save lives.

Now imagine that you can be a part of this potentially lifesaving work, simply by participating in a health research study. Thanks to DETECT, you can! An innovative study being conducted by Scripps Research, one of the world’s premier academic research institutions, DETECT is connecting you with the brightest minds in biomedical science to find answers to complicated questions, like those that have arisen out of the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers like Jennifer Radin, PhD, an epidemiologist who specializes in the use of technology to improve infectious disease prediction.

Photo of Jennifer Radin, PhD

Jennifer Radin, PhD

About this groundbreaking research study, Dr. Radin says, “Sensor-based surveillance can offer a way to continuously track individuals when they are healthy and characterize their typical baseline and typical variation. When someone gets sick with a virus, we can identify early subtle changes compared to their baseline, rather than population averages, that may indicate viral illness outset.”

Join Dr. Radin and the DETECT study team in this impactful research study and make a difference in the future of disease detection.

Meet a Participant Partner

Kathryn, Lakeside, CA

“The Scripps Research program, DETECT, was an invaluable resource of knowledge for our family as we were able to early note a familial outbreak of COVID-19 based on the DETECT symptoms identifier. Rapid resting heart rate was our earliest indicator and that person recognized the increase immediately with absolutely no other symptoms evident.

The person was able to self isolate at first onset, quickly get testing confirmation and was able to inform the entire family as well as friends for their protection. Further, with early recognition of infection, the home, car and work environment was immediately sterilized.

We robustly shared DETECT with social media circles which resulted in others reporting informed recognition of early onset symptoms. We feel that DETECT and the early symptom knowledge it armed us with helped to prevent the spread of the disease.”

Meet a Participant Partner

Kathryn, Lakeside, CA

“The Scripps Research program, DETECT, was an invaluable resource of knowledge for our family as we were able to early note a familial outbreak of COVID-19 based on the DETECT symptoms identifier. Rapid resting heart rate was our earliest indicator and that person recognized the increase immediately with absolutely no other symptoms evident.

The person was able to self isolate at first onset, quickly get testing confirmation and was able to inform the entire family as well as friends for their protection. Further, with early recognition of infection, the home, car and work environment was immediately sterilized.

We robustly shared DETECT with social media circles which resulted in others reporting informed recognition of early onset symptoms. We feel that DETECT and the early symptom knowledge it armed us with helped to prevent the spread of the disease.”

DETECT by the Numbers

DETECT uses data collected from wearable devices to uncover patterns that may correlate with illness. Here’s a sample of what we’ve discovered so far:

DETECT by the Numbers

DETECT uses data collected from wearable devices to uncover patterns that may correlate with illness. Here’s a sample of what we’ve discovered so far:

Scripps Digital Trial Center logo

1.6

The number of beats per minute study participants’ resting heart rate increased after their second COVID-19 vaccine dose. Heart rate peaked on the second day and returned to normal by the sixth day.

3.0

The number of additional hours spent in bed by people with early onset of COVID-19 symptoms.

80

The number of days, on average, a person’s baseline heart rate remained elevated after being infected with COVID-19.

2,500

The average decrease in daily steps recorded in people with COVID-19.

3,811

The number of people who reported COVID-19 symptoms in the first phase of the study – more than 10 percent of enrolled participants.

Across the whole population, “normal” resting rate can vary anywhere from 50 to 100 beats per minute. But for an individual, resting heart rate is very stable and only varies about 3 beats per min. By tracking your normal heart rate, you can compare any changes to your baseline heart rate, which may indicate infection.

Anyone, Anywhere

Transforming how and where clinical research is done.


The Scripps Digital Trials Center is transforming how and where clinical research is done. We are advancing science with an approach that invites anyone, anywhere to raise their hand and contribute to and benefit from medical research. Our most valued partners are the tens of thousands of participants who volunteer for our research studies. Without them, our work would not be possible.

Anyone, Anywhere

Transforming how and where clinical research is done.


The Scripps Digital Trials Center is transforming how and where clinical research is done. We are advancing science with an approach that invites anyone, anywhere to raise their hand and contribute to and benefit from medical research. Our most valued partners are the tens of thousands of participants who volunteer for our research studies. Without them, our work would not be possible.

How do I get started?

Find the answers to the most common questions about the study below. If you need more information, please contact us.

How do I get started?

Find the answers to the most common questions about the study below. If you need more information, please contact us.

Why should I participate?

Joining DETECT will allow you to monitor trends in key pieces of information like your sleep, steps and resting heart rate. Changes in these data points can be early indicators of viral illnesses like COVID-19.

What information will you collect from me?

In addition to collecting information from your wearable devices, we will also ask you to report any symptoms you might have if you start feeling sick. We will also give you the opportunity to enter information about any vaccines or tests you receive and to connect your electronic health records.

How do I join?

On your smartphone, download the MyDataHelps™ app and enter the six-letter code DETECT to launch the study. If you have any questions, please contact us.

Download the MyDataHelps™ app, then enter the code DETECT to join the study.
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