A new blood test for diagnosing tuberculosis

A Novel Electrochemical LFA for Diagnosing TB from a Single Drop of Blood

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO · NIH-11120616

This study is working on a new, easy way to test for tuberculosis using just a drop of blood, which is especially helpful for young kids and people with HIV who might struggle to give other types of samples.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LA JOLLA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11120616 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a novel electrochemical assay that can diagnose tuberculosis (TB) using just a single drop of blood. The approach focuses on improving the accuracy of TB diagnosis, particularly for vulnerable populations such as young children and individuals living with HIV, who may have difficulty providing sputum samples. By combining advanced bioelectrical technology with a user-friendly paper-based format, the goal is to create a diagnostic tool that is both sensitive and easy to use in various healthcare settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children under 11 years old and individuals living with HIV who are at risk for tuberculosis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have tuberculosis or are not in the specified age group may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more accurate and accessible method for diagnosing tuberculosis, potentially saving lives and reducing transmission rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in developing rapid diagnostic tests for tuberculosis, but this specific approach using a blood sample is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

LA JOLLA, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.