Planning a health study using wearable technology? Find out how long it takes to get IRB approval and what influences the timeline. This comprehensive guide explains why IRB approval is essential for ethical research, participant safety, and data privacy in health wearable studies. Learn about the different levels of IRB review—from exempt studies taking 1-2 weeks to full board reviews that may take 4-8 weeks or longer. Get practical tips on preparing your IRB application, including detailed study design, data security measures, and consent documents, to minimize delays and ensure a smooth approval process. Understanding the IRB review timeline is crucial for effectively planning your study and enhancing the credibility of your research.