A fast test to identify bloodstream infections directly from blood samples

An automated culture-free system for the identification of bloodstream infections direct from blood

NIH-funded research Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11005928

This study is working on a new test that can quickly find infections in your blood in just four hours, instead of the usual days, so you can get the right treatment faster, even if you've already had antibiotics.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHelixbind, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11005928 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a rapid diagnostic test that can identify bloodstream infections (BSIs) directly from blood samples without the need for traditional blood cultures. The current method can take 1-3 days to yield results, which delays treatment and can lead to severe complications. The new test, called RaPID/BSI, aims to provide results in just four hours, allowing for quicker and more accurate identification of bacterial and fungal pathogens. This innovation is particularly beneficial as it remains effective even when patients have received prior antimicrobial treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients suspected of having bloodstream infections, particularly those who may be experiencing sepsis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have bloodstream infections or those who are not hospitalized may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the time to diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes for patients with bloodstream infections.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for infections, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boxborough, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.