A fast test to identify bloodstream infections directly from blood samples
Official title: An automated culture-free system for the identification of bloodstream infections direct from blood
Funded at Helixbind, INC. · NIH-11005928 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Helixbind, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boxborough, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 8, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R44AI186712-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11005928 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients suspected of having bloodstream infections, particularly those who may be experiencing sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have bloodstream infections or those who are not hospitalized may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Helixbind, INC.
Boxborough, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singer, Alon — Helixbind, INC.
- Study coordinator: Singer, Alon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Automated, culture-free test to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
A new automated test called RaPID/BSI can identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample within four hours, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
-
Ultra-sensitive blood test to spot active Lyme disease infections
A new blood test called RaPID/LD aims to detect active Borrelia infections directly from blood, helping people with suspected Lyme disease get an early and accurate diagnosis.
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Automated test that quickly identifies bloodstream infections from a blood sample
A fast, blood-based test from HelixBind that can identify bloodstream infections within about 4 hours to guide the right treatment.
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Direct-from-specimen test for bloodstream infections
A fast, blood test developed by HelixBind to identify bloodstream infections directly from a blood sample in about 4 hours, helping doctors treat septicemia sooner.
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Direct-from-specimen test for fast endocarditis pathogens
A fast, automated blood test can identify bacteria or fungi causing endocarditis without culture, helping doctors choose the right treatment sooner.
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A faster way to detect bloodstream infections directly from blood
This project is creating a new device to quickly find out if you have a bloodstream infection, which can lead to a serious condition called sepsis.
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.