FAQ

  • Hemoglobin
    • What is Hemoglobin?
      Hemoglobin is the protein in the blood that binds and carries oxygen to muscles and tissues. The hemoglobin concentration in an athlete is influenced by a wide range of factors including the type and intensity of a workout; post-training recovery time and hydration; diet; elevation; seasons; and fitness levels.
    • What is the difference between hemoglobin mass (tHgb) and hemoglobin concentration [Hgb]? What does Ember measure?
      Hemoglobin mass (tHgb) is the total amount of hemoglobin molecules a person has in the body and is expressed in grams. Hemoglobin concentration is the amount of hemoglobin molecules in a specified amount of plasma volume and is expressed as grams (amount of hemoglobin) per deciliter (amount of plasma volume). Like standard lab draws, Ember measures hemoglobin concentration and the results are expressed as g/dl.
    • What is the difference between hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit (Hct)?
      Hematocrit is the percentage of blood that is composed of red blood cells.
    • How does hemoglobin affect athletic performance?
      During training and competition, endurance athletes need an adequate amount hemoglobin to keep their muscles fueled by oxygen. When hemoglobin levels drop below normal, muscles struggle to get enough oxygen. This causes the heart rate and breathing to accelerate, which negatively impacts athletic performance. Conversely, when hemoglobin levels are too high, oxygen cannot be transported efficiently to the muscles and tissue. This can also negatively impact athletic performance.
    • Why should I track hemoglobin levels?
      Tracking and measuring the changes in hemoglobin levels provide invaluable insight into how an athlete’s body responds to different activities and conditions. Trainers and athletes can use this insight to make smarter training decisions and better prepare for competition. They can also use this data to identify and maintain optimal levels of hemoglobin to maximize athletic performance in competitions.
    • How does Ember track hemoglobin?
      Ember is the world’s first noninvasive hemoglobin tracker. Using an advanced, LED light sensor that fits over the finger, a highly portable device, and an iPhone, Ember allows trainers and their athletes to track and measure fluctuating hemoglobin levels before and after training. Ember collects, compiles and compares this historical data in easy-to-view graphs that provide valuable insight into which training activities and conditions are most effective.
    • What happens to hemoglobin as an athlete acclimatizes to higher elevation?
      Within a few hours of arrival at elevation, athletes training at altitude may experience a rise in their hemoglobin concentration due to a decrease in plasma volume (the “water” component of blood). This can be misleading because no new hemoglobin molecules have been made in such a short time. Lower air pressure at higher altitudes means there’s less oxygen available. In response, the body tries to direct more oxygen to the muscles and tissue by increasing the heart and respiration rates.

      As an athlete acclimatizes to higher elevation, oxygen supplies to the muscles increase, heart and respiration rates stabilizes or even decreases, plasma volume increases to normal levels which in turn causes the hemoglobin levels to go back down. Continued and sustained elevation training past this point will induce the increase in hemoglobin.

    • Why should I use Ember as part of my elevation training?
      Ember shows you how quickly hemoglobin levels increase at higher altitude, when they peak, and how long those levels stay elevated. Trainers and athletes can use this information to determine how long to train at elevation, how high to go, and how soon to compete after elevation training to maximize gains.
  • Pulse-rate Variability (PRV)
  • How Ember Works
    • How does Ember measure hemoglobin noninvasively?
      Through leading-edge LED light sensor technology, Ember analyzes the athlete’s blood by shining multiple wavelengths of light through the fingertips and calculates hemoglobin levels based on the absorption patterns, then wirelessly transfers those measurements to a smartphone using the free Ember app. 
    • How does the technology work?
      Ember’s non-invasive technology is based on a scientific technique called absorption spectroscopy. Light in various wavelengths is shined through the arterial blood and the amount of blood is measured. Since the hemoglobin molecules in both the oxygenated and deoxygenated state have a unique absorption curve, Ember is able to calculate the hemoglobin levels by examining the amount of light that is absorbed at each specific wavelength. The mobile app then pulls the information from the Ember device and displays it on your smartphone.
    • How does Ember differ from a standard pulse oximeter measuring O2 Saturation?
      Since hemoglobin is the primary carrier of oxygen in the body, hemoglobin values give you an idea of your oxygen-carrying capacity. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) is different. It gives you an idea of how well-saturated your hemoglobin molecules are with oxygen.
    • How accurate is Ember?
      The accuracy of Ember in measuring hemoglobin has been shown in controlled studies to be 1 g/dl at one standard deviation. This means that 68% of the hemoglobin values measured on the Ember device should fall within +/- 1 g/dl of the invasive methods used to measure hemoglobin. The accuracy of Ember in measuring pulse rate in the range of 25 – 240 beats per minute is +/- 3 beats per minute at one standard deviation, under no motion condition. Based on an internal study, the trend accuracy, defined as its ability to detect changes in hemoglobin values when compared against an invasive method, was shown to be +/- 0.7 g/dl.
    • What factors impact Ember’s result?
      Many physiological factors can impact Ember’s results. These factors include your posture (supine vs. sitting vs. standing), your hydration status (the more hydrated you are, the lower the measured hemoglobin and the more dehydrated you are, the higher the measured hemoglobin), the intensity and duration of a particular exercise, the amount of rest after your exercise (measurement taken soon after an exercise vs. ten minutes after an exercise will be different).
    • Why should I flag each measurement to a specific activity like first-of-day, or end-of day?
      Since physiological factors can impact measurement results, flagging each measurement to a specific activity allows you to compare measurements that were taken under the same physiological condition.
  • How to use Ember
    • How do I set up Ember?
      Download the free Ember by Cercacor app on your iPhone or Android phone and follow the instructions to create your account.
    • Why should I set up my profiles before I use Ember?
      When setting up your Ember account profile, it’s important to enter your age and gender accurately. This allows Ember to identify the appropriate normal ranges for hemoglobin levels. It's also important to enter your location whenever you take a measurement, so that Ember can track your elevation and include that data with your results for a more accurate picture.
    • How do I use Ember?
      1. Wake up the Ember device by pressing on the side button for 3 seconds until you see a series of blinking rectangles. The app will recognize Ember, and your iPhone can now pair with the Ember device.
      2. Place the sensor all the way over your finger (preferably your pinky finger on the non-dominant hand if you are using the new mini-sensor or the ring finger of your non-dominant hand if you are using the original sensor), so that the cable runs on top of your hand in a straight line.
      3. Tap the start button on your Ember device. Remain quiet and still while the sensor is on your finger. The measurement can take between 30 and 60 seconds to complete.
      4. Select the appropriate activity for your measurement.
      5. The measurement results will display on the screen. Tap “capture” to save the results in your history.
      To learn how to view and interpret your measurement data, view this video.
    • Where should I take my hemoglobin measurements?
      Avoid taking measurements in direct sunlight, or close to any bright light or computer display. We recommend using Ember in the shade.
    • How do I connect my Ember device to a smartphone or tablet?
      Ember requires a smart device with the Ember app installed on it. The Ember by Cercacor App works a smart device running iOS 9.0 or Android 5.0 or newer Make sure you have downloaded the Ember App from the Apple App store or the Google Play store.
      Watch the How to Use Ember Video
      Download the User Guide.
    • How do I get the app?
      The Ember by Cercacor app can be downloaded for free from the Apple App store or Google Play store. You will need to type the full name “Ember by Cercacor” to find it.
    • How do I share my results with others?
      To share individual results, tap the share button located on the bottom of the results screen. To share your entire results history, open the history tab and select the measurement table. Tap the share button located on the bottom of the screen and a csv file will be sent to the person you choose.
    • How do I delete a data point form my history?
      You can discard a data point from your history by opening up the measurement table located in the history tab. Select the individual measurement result you want to delete, then tap the trash icon located on the bottom of the results screen to delete the measurement.
    • What if I accidently delete the app, will I lose my test credits?
      No, you will not lose the previous balance of test credits you had in your account. Reinstall the Ember app to your phone. Go to the Options screen on the app and select Backup/Restore. Follow the directions on the screen and the test credits will be automatically restored on your sensor. In order for the test credits to transfer, you must use the identical sensor you were using before you deleted the app.
    • How do I restore my test credits when I upgrade to a new phone?
      Follow the steps outlined in the response for question #9. Please make sure to use the identical sensor you were using with the previous phone.
    • How does Ember/Cercacor protect my privacy?
      We respect your privacy and take the protection of your data very seriously.
      View our privacy policy.
  • Training with Ember
    • Why should I use Ember as part of my training program?
      Ember lets you track and measure hemoglobin levels across a wide range of activities and conditions. Using Ember, you’ll be able to see how your hemoglobin levels respond to different exercises, training intensities, time of day, elevations, seasons, dietary choices, and more. This allows you to identify and achieve optimal hemoglobin levels athletes perform best at.
    • When should I use Ember to measure hemoglobin?
      The optimal time to take a measurement with Ember is first-of-day before getting out of bed. The first-of-day measurement is when your body physiology is the most stable, offering a convenient way to ensure your measurement condition is consistent each and every day. The end-of-day measurement, before going to bed, is another ideal time to take a measurement. You can also take a measurement before and after a workout or even before and after hydration to see the impact these activities have on your hemoglobin values. Frequent measurements over time, taken in a consistent manner, will allow you to get a more complete picture on how your body is responding to various activities, conditions and factors including intensity of workout, recovery, hydration, elevation training, diet, seasons, and more.
    • What else does Ember measure besides hemoglobin?
      Ember measures pulse rate (heart beats per minute), perfusion index (change in blood circulation), oxygen saturation (how saturated hemoglobin is with oxygen), oxygen content (total amount of oxygen in the blood), respiration rate (number of breaths per minute), pleth variability index (variation in the perfusion index over your breathing cycle), methemoglobin (oxidized form of hemoglobin that cannot carry oxygen), carboxyhemoglobin (carbon monoxide that is bound to hemoglobin).
    • How do I interpret the measurements captured by Ember?
      Ember comes with a series of built-in interactive graphs that help you interpret and use your data to improve training. Graphs include: Smart Gauge Display that lets you immediately see how your immediate measurement compares to your last 30-day average, Daily Range Graph that lets you track the impact of each workout by graphing your pre and post workout measurements, Multi-parameter Trend Graph that allows you to track and compare the historical trends of 2 parameters on one chart, and an Elevation Graph that allows you to track the impact altitude has on your body by plotting hemoglobin and other parameters values to the corresponding altitude.
    • Can I use Ember when I’m traveling for training or competition?
      Yes, Ember is a portable, lightweight tool that allows you to measure and monitor hemoglobin levels anytime, from virtually any location. For the most accurate results, we recommend using Ember in the shade and shielding the device/sensor from direct light as well as water.
    • Can I use Ember during my work-out?
      Ember is not a wearable device. In its current form, Ember is not designed for use during an activity, and is meant to be used first thing in the morning while still in bed, while at rest, in between sets, as well as pre- and post-workout.
    • How long will I have to wait to see results?
      Ember accurately measures hemoglobin levels, as well as pulse rate, respiration rate, and blood circulation in less than 60 seconds, and often within 30 seconds.
    • Why should I maintain a consistent posture whenever I take a measurement with Ember?
      Posture is known to affect the concentration of substances (hemoglobin) in blood due to shifts in plasma volume. In a controlled study, hemoglobin concentration was lowest in the supine position (lying down), higher in the sitting position, up by 3.2%, and highest in the standing position, up by 10.2% from supine and 6.7% from sitting. These differences in readings can either mask or exaggerate the effects of other factors, like training and altitude exposure, on hemoglobin concentration. By maintaining the same posture each time you test, you can avoid variances in your hemoglobin values.
      If you’re interested in the details of the posture study.
    • Can I use the Ember app when I’m not connected to the internet?
      Yes – you will be able to connect to the Ember device from your smart device and take a measurement even if you do not have internet access. You will, however, need internet access (Wi-Fi or Cellular) in order to share your data.
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