A fast, at-a-glance genetic test for recently transfused sickle cell patients in low-resource settings
Official title: A Sample-to-Answer Point-of-Care Diagnostic for Recently Transfused Sickle Cell Anemia Patients in Low Resource Settings
Funded at Rice University · NIH-11377345 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new quick, inexpensive genetic test could give accurate sickle cell results right after a blood transfusion, even in low-resource clinics.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $618,990 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166413-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11377345 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with sickle cell disease who have recently received a blood transfusion, particularly in low-resource or emergency department settings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not recently received a transfusion or those in settings with robust, existing testing infrastructure may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a rapid, DNA-based point-of-care test that remains reliable for patients who recently received a blood transfusion. It focuses on sickle cell disease and aims to be usable in emergency settings where quick decisions are critical. If successful, the test could shorten waiting times for accurate diagnosis and enable earlier, appropriate treatment, even in places with limited lab infrastructure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could speed up correct treatment for sickle cell patients in emergencies, reducing delays and potentially improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous non-genetic point-of-care tests have struggled with transfusion-interference, making this genetic approach a novel but promising path.
Where this research is happening
-
Rice University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R. — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Richards-Kortum, Rebecca R.
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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.