ECG ??!! Please help!!

[JerryIonic]

Hi, everyone

I just got off the phone with a customer service rep at Fitbit. I asked him when would the ECG app be available? First, he said it is available now, then he went into a long story about having to sign up for a free study to receive a patch that I need to wear for a week. He also said that the study is available for other Fitbit devices. I mentioned, if that be the case, why did I spend a lot of money getting the Sense then!! I told him that the main reason I purchased the Sense was to check for afib using the ECG app. So, I asked, in order to use that ECG app I have to sign up for the study and get a patch to wear. He said, yes. I put it to the members of the community. Is what he tells me correct? I can't use ECG unless I sign up for a study and receive and wear a patch? So if that be the case, why are we all spending a lot more money for the Sense if that be the case. Rather perplexed!!!

Thanks, folks

[HollieAyne]

This is news to me. I just thought it wasn't going to be released until October because if the FDA approval. 

[mbarylski]

Pretty sure that support rep is mis informed. That is a crazy idea considering every report about the ECG function says you put 2 fingers on the watch to use ECG and view results in Fitbit ECG app. Neither is available yet.

[JerryIonic]

Hi Hollie

It's news to me as well. I'm thinking that the rep I spoke with is totally misinformed. Well, I sure hope so. I told him that if the only way I can utilize the ECG app is by signing up for a study, then I will return the watch. What is the point if the study can be done on my Versa 2. Let's hope some informed individuals can put this to rest. It bothers me when I get what I feel is false information. I mentioned to him that there was no indication on any of Fitbit adds or even YouTube reviews that a study was necessary, let alone wearing a patch. 

[SunsetRunner · Accepted solution]

Hi @JerryIonic and welcome to the forums.  Firstly, what country are you based in as this is dependent on when/if the ECG function will work.  Basically, each country/territory must provide regulatory approval to Fitbit to enable them to 'activate' the ECG function in that region.

For example, it has clearance over here in the EU/UK, Hong Kong and some others whilst waiting for clearance in other areas.  Even with clearance though as the moment it is impossible for me to utilise this as the actual ECG app has yet to be released (due to be released next month in October).  

It does seem that the rep you spoke to has given you incorrect information as there was a study a while ago in the US but that has nothing to do with the ECG app on the Sense.  

Hope that answers your questions and feel free to ask anymore.

[JerryIonic]

Hello Mark

Yes, that has answered my question. I felt that the rep was giving me incorrect information, but I wasn't about to challenge him over the phone. He was trying his best to help, but he obviously needs to be brought up to snuff, so to speak. I live in the US, and it's my understanding that the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) has approved the app, which will be available some time in October. Thank you, Mark. 

[Starrman4]

Even in the UK, the list of devices for the study does not include the Sense from what I have found...

[JerryIonic]

Most likely because the Sense is the only device that performs ECG.