Ultrahuman Launches AI-Powered Blood Vision: Predict Your Health for $800/Year
What if you could predict your future health with a simple blood test? Imagine assessing your susceptibility to certain cancers, tracking your cholesterol levels, monitoring your blood health, and gauging your energy and glucose levels—all in the context of your overall longevity and wellness. While this idea may evoke memories of Elizabeth Holmes’ infamous Theranos, a new player in the health technology landscape aims to make it a reality. On Tuesday, Ultrahuman, best known for its smart ring, launched Blood Vision, an advanced blood-testing platform available in the U.S. for an annual fee of $800. Blood Vision is designed to provide comprehensive health assessments by analyzing over 120 blood markers, including glucose, cholesterol, proteins, and other key substances. The results are delivered through the Ultrahuman app, powered by AI-driven clinical analysis. Users are required to visit a medical lab and provide eight to ten vials of blood, which are then thoroughly examined. Additionally, the company offers a mid-year assessment, which measures more than 60 blood markers to track health changes over time. The collaboration between medical facilities and wearable tech brands like Ultrahuman is a growing trend in the health technology industry. By merging traditional healthcare with cutting-edge wearable devices, these partnerships aim to offer more holistic and data-driven health insights. For instance, smart ring manufacturer Oura recently partnered with Essence Healthcare to equip patients with Oura Rings for continuous health monitoring. Similarly, Whoop has hinted at an upcoming Advanced Labs feature for its Whoop MG tracker, which will also offer blood tests and clinical evaluations, integrating the data collected from the device for deeper analysis. When Ultrahuman initially approached me about trying out Blood Vision, I was both intrigued and excited. However, my enthusiasm waned upon learning that the process involves giving eight to ten vials of blood and storing this sensitive health data on a startup’s app. As someone who reports on wearable health technology, I understand the potential benefits of such innovations, but I also recognize the importance of data security and privacy. Ultrahuman’s privacy policy addresses these concerns, stating that users have the right to request details of the health information collected, request data deletion, and receive information about any third-party data sharing. The company explicitly mentions, "You own your data and control our usage of it. We will never sell your data to third parties." Despite these reassurances, the decision to participate in such cutting-edge research is not straightforward. My responsibility as ZDNET’s wearable health tech editor compels me to explore the latest advancements, but should I risk my privacy by giving this much blood to a startup? This dilemma is familiar in the tech and healthcare industry, where the boundaries between innovation and user protection are often blurred. Blood Vision represents a significant step forward in personalized health monitoring, but it also raises important questions about the security and ethical handling of personal health data. As the health technology field continues to evolve, it is crucial for both companies and consumers to weigh the benefits against the risks. For companies, transparency and robust data protection measures are essential. For consumers, staying informed about how their data is used and protected can help them make safer, more confident choices. So, should I, as a tech journalist, consent to giving eight to ten vials of my blood to this startup? It’s a decision that requires careful consideration of both the potential health insights and the privacy implications. What would you do? Share your thoughts in the comments below.