A home-ready device to meter and separate tiny blood samples for lab testing
Precision metering and autonomous separation of blood components for pre-clinical microsampling at the point-of-care
A tool to let people collect a small fingerstick blood sample at home that separates and preserves plasma so labs can run many of the same tests as a regular blood draw.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Medford NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262921 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is building a point-of-care device that precisely meters tiny fingerstick blood samples and automatically separates plasma from cells. The device aims to stabilize the separated blood so samples can be mailed at room temperature to clinical laboratories. Researchers will develop and test the mechanics and chemistry needed to make results match venous blood measurements. The work is intended to support both patients who want convenient testing and labs that need reliable samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people who need routine blood monitoring for chronic conditions or who live far from phlebotomy services and would prefer at-home or mailed sample collection.
Not a fit: This approach may not help patients who need large-volume blood tests, immediate in-clinic testing, or specialized assays that require fresh venous specimens.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let many people do routine blood testing from home or remote locations without a venous draw, improving access and convenience.
How similar studies have performed: Older methods like dried blood spot cards have shown some success but have limits, and this project applies newer engineering and separation techniques to overcome those issues.
Where this research is happening
Boston, UNITED STATES
- Tufts University Medford — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mace, Charles R — Tufts University Medford
- Study coordinator: Mace, Charles R
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 below.