A device for quick diagnosis of sickle cell disease
Official title: Point of care diagnostic for sickle cell disease
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10739074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a handy device that can quickly check for sickle cell disease by looking at your red blood cells, helping doctors better manage your condition and predict painful episodes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $1,222,122 |
| NIH project number | 1R18EB035004-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10739074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with sickle cell disease, particularly those experiencing frequent pain crises.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have sickle cell disease or those who are not experiencing symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a portable device that can quickly diagnose sickle cell disease (SCD) by analyzing red blood cells (RBCs) at the point of care. Using advanced imaging technology, the device will create detailed holograms of individual RBCs to assess the presence of sickled cells, which are indicative of SCD. By employing machine learning algorithms, the device will provide quantitative data that can help predict painful vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) and improve patient management. This innovative approach seeks to enhance routine monitoring and treatment strategies for SCD patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective management of sickle cell disease, reducing pain crises and improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using advanced imaging techniques for blood analysis, suggesting that this approach could be effective for sickle cell disease as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wax, Adam — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Wax, Adam
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Immune and nerve signals behind acupuncture relief for sickle cell pain
This NIH grant explores how acupuncture helps reduce pain and opioid use for people with sickle cell disease.
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Mindfulness-based Support for Pain and Sleep in Young People with Sickle Cell Disease
A digital mindfulness program is being tailored for adolescents and young adults with sickle cell disease to help with pain and sleep and is being tested for practicality and early effectiveness.
-
How diet affects white blood cells and sickle cell disease
A study looks at how nutrition, from early life to adulthood, influences sickle cell disease by examining neutrophils and disease severity in people with SCD and in a mouse model.
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Nutrition-based plan to ease pain in sickle cell disease
A nutrition-based approach is being tested to reduce pain for people living with sickle cell disease.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.